The Breakdown 23

• The CDC has dramatically revised its childhood vaccine schedule, slashing the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11, a controversial move made under the Trump administration without extensive scientific consultation.
• This overhaul has sparked confusion and concern among parents and healthcare professionals, many of whom fear it undermines children's health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
• Prominent voices like Liz Wheeler and RFK Jr. support the changes, framing them as victories for parental choice, while suggesting that fewer vaccines could lead to better health outcomes overall.
• Healthcare experts warn that the sidelining of six routine vaccines poses significant public health risks, echoing fears about rising preventable diseases among children.
• The decision reflects a shift in the U.S. approach to vaccinations, aligning it with practices seen in countries like Denmark and Germany—a move that has ignited a heated debate over vaccine safety and efficacy.
• Recent events, such as a child influenza death following the announcement of the new guidelines, have intensified public scrutiny, raising critical questions about the future of childhood immunizations and health policy.