Vaccine Changes: What's Up with Kids' Flu Shots?

The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its advice on childhood vaccines. Now, flu shots and others like RSV and COVID-19 are mainly suggested for kids at high risk or after a chat with a doctor. This is a shift from the old rule where everyone aged 6 months and up was told to get a flu shot every year.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Perspective

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U. S. Health and Human Services Secretary, thinks this change might mean fewer kids get vaccinated. He even hinted that this could be a good thing. He made it clear that vaccines are still around if people want them. Insurance will cover them just like before. But he believes parents and doctors should talk it over before deciding.

Interview Highlights

During an interview, CBS News asked about the possible downsides. They pointed out that nearly 300 kids died from the flu last year, and most of them weren't vaccinated. The interviewer also noted that there's no proof that the flu vaccine harms kids. Kennedy, however, referred to the Cochrane Collaboration, which he says shows that the flu vaccine doesn't really prevent serious illness or death in children.

Medical Experts' Views

But many medical experts don't agree with this view. The CDC has studies showing that flu shots can lower the risk of severe illness, hospital stays, and even death in kids. So, it's a bit of a debate out there.