> At a Glance
> – The CDC scrapped blanket vaccine guidance for six childhood diseases
> – Doctors say the confusing “shared decision-making” shift fuels hesitancy
> – Why it matters: Falling immunization rates may spark more measles and pertussis outbreaks
A sweeping change to the federal childhood immunization schedule is alarming pediatricians across the country, who warn the move will deepen vaccine hesitancy and reverse decades of progress against preventable diseases.
What Changed
This week, the government halted universal recommendations for vaccines that protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, RSV, flu and meningococcal disease for children. Instead, officials instructed providers to reserve those shots for at-risk groups or to use a process called “shared clinical decision-making” with families.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices defines shared clinical decision-making as:
- Not recommended for everyone in an age group
- Individually based
- Requires discussion between provider and parent
- Can involve doctors, nurses, pharmacists or physician assistants
Pediatricians React
Dr. Molly O’Shea, who runs two offices in Michigan, says the policy is already sowing doubt in both Democratic and Republican areas.
> “It sends a message to a parent that actually there’s only a rarefied group of people who really need the vaccine,” she said. “It’s creating an environment that puts a sense of uncertainty about the value and necessity or importance of the vaccines in that category.”
Dr. Steven Abelowitz of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California, heard from six worried parents within hours of Monday’s announcement.
> “It’s causing concern for us, but more importantly, concern for parents with kids, especially young kids, and confusion,” he said.
Confusion Over “Shared Decision-Making”
Surveys from the Annenberg Public Policy Center found many adults misunderstand the term:
- Only 2 in 10 knew it means “taking the vaccine may not be good for everyone but would benefit some”
- Just one-third realized pharmacists are qualified to counsel families
Practical Impact
Under the new guidance:
- Flu clinics without a provider visit may disappear
- Parents may need separate appointments to discuss each vaccine
- Staff-only shot visits could be replaced by full consultations
Medical Groups Protest
The American Academy of Pediatrics, joined by more than 200 medical and advocacy organizations, sent a letter to Congress demanding an investigation into why:
- The schedule was changed
- Credible scientific evidence was ignored
- The advisory committee did not discuss the changes publicly
Parents Split
Megan Landry, mother of a 4-year-old patient of Dr. O’Shea, remains committed to vaccines.
> “It’s my responsibility as a parent to protect my child’s health and well-being,” she said. “Vaccines are a really effective and well-studied way to do that.”
Others are losing trust. Dr. O’Shea compares the dynamic to auto repair: “If I take my car to the mechanic, I don’t go do my own research ahead of time. I go to a person I trust and I trust them to tell me what’s going on.”
Key Takeaways
- Childhood vaccination rates are already falling
- Measles and pertussis cases, hospitalizations and deaths are rising
- Doctors vow to keep offering all recommended vaccines despite federal changes
- State immunization requirements for schools are not affected
Abelowitz warns the policy shift “pours gasoline on a fire of mistrust that was already burning” and could set the country back decades in public health progress.
