The US government of President Donald Trump has changed the state vaccination schedule for children. The number recommended for all children Vaccinations should be reduced from 17 to 11 in the future, said the US Department of Health and Human Services. Accordingly, among other things, those previously recommended were Vaccinations against rotavirus, influenza and Covid-19 have been removed from the vaccination plan.
The US authorities are now leaving six previously government-recommended vaccinations to the parents’ decision: rotavirus, Covid-19, flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal, which can cause meningitis. The Ministry of Health’s recommendation for meningococci as well as for hepatitis A and hepatitis B should only continue to apply to high-risk patients, although this group is not defined in more detail in the announcement.
For these children “from certain risk groups,” the ministry also recommends vaccination against dengue fever and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In addition, children should only receive one dose of vaccine against infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV) instead of the previous two.
Contradiction to scientifically based vaccination recommendations
Trump’s Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had commissioned the Vaccination Commission to review the rules, which are more than 30 years old. The former environmental lawyer and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy is considered proven vaccination opponent. In the past he spread conspiracy stories and brought vaccinations with him autism in children related. Such a connection scientists have refuted.
The now announced reform of the US vaccination system is in clear contradiction to the proven and scientifically based recommendations that have been used for years to contain diseases through routine vaccinations. There was already criticism similar decisions in the US healthcare system given.
New cases of largely eradicated diseases like measles
In view of increasing vaccine skepticism in the USA and the new course of health policy, experts are warning of a return of potentially fatal diseases that were thought to have been largely eradicated through childhood vaccinations. This year the USA experienced about worst measles outbreak in more than 30 yearswith more than 1,400 cases. From the flu Almost 300 children died in the 2024/25 season in the USA.
Some vaccinations there, such as those against measles, mumps and rubella, are mandatory for school enrollment, while others have so far been strongly recommended. However, in many states, parents can exempt their children from vaccination, for example for religious reasons.
