Khaberni - The US Department of Health, headed by Robert Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine skepticism, announced the reduction in the number of vaccines recommended for children, based on a new schedule described by President Donald Trump as having "greater logic" than its predecessor, but it has faced wide criticism from specialists.
Six vaccines previously recommended for all American children are now limited to those most at risk.
This includes vaccines for influenza, hepatitis types A and B, meningococcal disease (causing meningitis), and the vaccine against rotavirus causing gastroenteritis. The COVID-19 vaccine had been removed from the list a few months ago.
Trump had asked the Health Secretary to review American vaccination policy in light of the practices of other advanced countries, particularly Denmark, which the American government cited as an example.
Robert Kennedy Junior said in a statement, "After a comprehensive review of the knowledge, we are aligning the children’s vaccination schedule in the United States with international consensus."
Trump wrote on his platform "Truth Social" on Monday: "We are adopting a schedule that has greater logic." He added: "Parents can still choose to vaccinate their children with all the vaccines if they wish to do so, and health insurance will continue to cover them."
A number of specialists have expressed concerns about this decision.
Infectious diseases and pediatric specialist Sean O'Leary said, "The American children's vaccine schedule is one of the most thoroughly researched tools for protecting children from serious and sometimes fatal diseases."
He added, "It is of utmost importance that any decision on this matter" should be based on "scientific evidence" and not on "comparisons that do not take into account the significant differences between countries and health systems."
