Vermont health officials are expressing strong opposition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recent decision to cut the number of recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11.This significant change has raised concerns about its potential impact on public health and the trust families place in vaccination programs.
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mynbc5.comwcax.comThe CDC's new guidelines, which were announced on a Monday, have removed several vaccines from the standard schedule, including those for influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, RSV, and the COVID vaccine.Health experts warn that this reduction could have serious consequences, reverting to a time when universal vaccine coverage was not the norm.
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wcax.comnbcboston.comVermont's Health Commissioner, Dr Rick Hildebrant, criticized the CDC's decision, suggesting it was politically motivated rather than based on scientific evidence.He stated, "I don't know why CDC...Well, I suspect I know why, but I don't know where the evidence came from to suggest changing the vaccine schedule...it certainly was not based in health outcomes or in scientific research." He emphasized that the changes could lead to confusion among parents, ultimately endangering public health.
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wcax.comDr Rebecca Bell, a pediatric critical care physician at UVM Children's Hospital, echoed these concerns, noting that the mixed messaging from the CDC is already affecting parents' confidence in vaccinations."We're used to vaccine hesitancy for sure.We're now seeing parents who, in the past, have vaccinated their other children, and now they're nervous about it," she said.Bell warned that this confusion could result in more children being hospitalized for preventable diseases.
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mynbc5.comwcax.comThe Vermont Department of Health has made it clear that the state's vaccine recommendations will remain unchanged and continue to be supported by pediatric and family medicine organizations.Dr Hildebrant stated, "Just to be abundantly clear, we do not recommend any changes," reinforcing the state's commitment to maintaining its current vaccination schedule.
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mynbc5.comHealth officials in Vermont are also concerned about the timing of the CDC's announcement, as the US is experiencing a resurgence of diseases like measles and whooping cough.The CDC's decision comes at a time when New York has reported its highest flu levels in decades, raising alarms about the potential for increased illness among children.
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wcax.comnbcboston.comDespite the CDC's changes, Vermont health officials assure families that vaccines will remain available and covered by insurance, including through the CDC's Vaccines for Children program.However, they are closely monitoring the situation in case federal guidance or funding changes in the future.
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mynbc5.comwcax.comDr Hildebrant emphasized the importance of reliable information, urging parents to consult trusted healthcare providers rather than relying on social media for guidance."If you have any questions, don't go to social media; talk to your doctor," he advised.
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wcax.comIn summary, Vermont health officials are standing firm against the CDC's revised vaccine recommendations, advocating for a science-based approach to childhood vaccinations.They aim to protect public health and maintain trust in the vaccination process, ensuring that families have access to the necessary vaccines to safeguard their children's health.
