Why the U. S. Might Be Changing Its Vaccine Plan
A Significant Shift
The U.S. is considering a major change to its vaccine schedule, potentially reducing the number of required vaccines. The proposed plan aims to align the schedule more closely with Denmark's, which has fewer vaccines on its list.
Current Vaccine Counts
- U.S.: 16 vaccines
- Denmark: 10 vaccines
The proposed changes could cut down on shots for diseases like chickenpox, hepatitis A, rotavirus, and flu.
Why Denmark?
The reasoning behind choosing Denmark as a model is unclear. Denmark is significantly smaller and has a different healthcare system. Experts are concerned that fewer vaccines could lead to increased instances of preventable diseases.
Expert Reactions
The Health and Human Services Department has not responded to requests for comments. However, hospitals and doctors are expressing concerns:
- Insurance Coverage: May not cover the shots.
- Liability Risks: Doctors could face increased liability risks.
State-Level Implications
States typically follow the CDC's list for school vaccination requirements. If the federal government changes the list, states may need to create their own rules, leading to potential confusion and inconsistency.
The Memo
The changes stem from a memo instructing health officials to compare the U.S. vaccine schedule with those of other countries. The memo emphasized keeping current vaccines available, but the next steps remain unclear.
Public Opinion
Opinions on the proposed changes are divided:
- Supporters: Believe states should have more control over vaccination policies.
- Opponents: Concerned about the scientific basis for the changes and potential increases in disease outbreaks and lawsuits.
Legal and Scientific Concerns
The CDC usually follows a rigorous process for vaccine schedule changes, including scientific review, public comments, and voting. It is unclear whether this process was followed in this instance.
International Comparison
Denmark's vaccine list is notably shorter than those of most other countries:
- Germany: 15 vaccines
- Japan: 14 vaccines
- U.S.: 16 vaccines
The differences in vaccine schedules are influenced by the prevalence of diseases in each country and the perceived cost-effectiveness of vaccination.
