By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rolled out a new vaccine recommendation for parents recently, it produced just as many questions as answers.
Many were confused on why the recommendations were changed and what it would mean for their child, their insurance policy or interactions with their physicians.
The updates included guidelines on which vaccines to receive and when, reflecting emerging variants of diseases.
Vaccines work by introducing a harmless component of a virus or bacteria (antigen) into the body, stimulating the immune system. This process trains the immune system to recognize and combat the pathogen if exposed in the future. The immune system produces antibodies and memory cells, leading to long-term protection against specific diseases without causing the illness itself.
“Vaccines contain a weakened or partial form of a germ that trains your immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells. This preparation enables your body to recognize and fight off the infection effectively, helping to prevent serious disease,” said Cynthia Rand, a general pediatrician and health services researcher who focuses on providing preventive care to pediatric patients for UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital.
What should people know about the new recommendations?
The changes are modeled after the vaccine schedule in Denmark, reducing the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, influenza, meningococcal disease and rotavirus are now excluded from the list of those recommended for all children.
The updated schedule has three categories of vaccines; immunizations recommended for all children, immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations and immunizations based on shared clinical decision making.
Overall thoughts on the new recommendations?
New vaccine recommendations are crucial in adapting to changing health landscapes. They typically reflect ongoing research, technological advances and health threats. However, physicians question the process and recommendations.
“The changes lack scientific evidence and were implemented outside the standard process for modifying vaccine schedules, which typically involves thorough, evidence-based reviews of studies, expert opinions and consensus,” said Rand. “The United States is very different from Denmark and it is not reasonable to abruptly remove safe and effective vaccines from the recommended schedule.”
Recommendations often aim to enhance public health by preventing disease outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations. Ongoing research and education about vaccines should be prioritized to ensure that the public is informed and equipped to make decisions about their health and the health of their communities.
Vaccines importance
Vaccines play a crucial role in public health by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. They help reduce morbidity and mortality, protect at-risk populations and contribute to herd immunity. By vaccinating, individuals not only protect themselves but also prevent the transmission of diseases to others, especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
“Diseases preventable by vaccines can cause significant illness, hospitalization, and even death. This year, in particular, we are seeing high rates of influenza, leading to numerous outpatient visits, urgent care visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths,” said Rand. “While the flu vaccine is not perfect, it significantly reduces the severity of illness compared to being unvaccinated, and vaccinated individuals are much less likely to require hospitalization.”
She said before the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, there were 2.7 million rotavirus infections annually in the U.S., with almost all children experiencing rotavirus-related diarrhea by age 5. The rotavirus vaccine now prevents 40,000 to 50,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S.
Explaining to patients
Physicians must approach patient education with empathy and patience, actively listening to their concerns. They must be clear and cite evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of vaccines, using simple language and visual aids if necessary. It’s crucial to address misconceptions, reinforce the importance of vaccination for community health and create a trusting environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions. Engaging with communities, understanding their beliefs and concerns and providing accessible information can help address vaccine hesitancy.
“New York state continues to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccine schedule, which remains unchanged. I am happy to answer any questions and explain to patients why each vaccine is recommended, how they are rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness and why pediatricians continue to support the existing schedule,” Rand said.
Misinformation
Vaccine misinformation poses significant risks, leading to vaccine hesitancy and potential outbreaks of preventable diseases. Misinformation can cause fear, confusion and distrust in vaccines, which can diminish herd immunity. It’s essential to counteract misinformation with factual, science-based information and promote trust in healthcare professionals and institutions. It’s important to promote open dialogue about vaccination.
“Misinformation contributes to lower vaccination rates, which can lead to disease outbreaks,” said Rand. “When vaccination coverage drops, herd immunity is compromised, allowing diseases to spread more easily within a population. For example, in 2025, there were over 2,000 cases of measles in the U.S., along with three measles-related deaths, including two children, due to reduced vaccination rates. Also, pertussis (the cause of whooping cough) rates are rising as vaccination rates decline.”