As Michigan’s health leaders navigate recent changes in federal vaccine guidelines, they are advising parents to adhere to the existing immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This comes on the heels of a new directive from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which has reduced the number of recommended vaccines for children.
The AAP’s guidance, which remains unchanged, includes immunizations against 17 diseases from birth through adolescence. However, the CDC, following a directive issued by President Donald Trump, has now suggested reducing this number to 11. The new recommendations exclude vaccines for annual flu and COVID, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, and meningococcal disease.
The CDC justifies this revision by comparing the U.S. to other developed countries. “The assessment reviewed 20 peer, developed nations and found that the U.S. is a global outlier among developed nations in both the number of diseases addressed in its routine childhood vaccination schedule and the total number of recommended doses but does not have higher vaccination rates than such countries,” the CDC stated.
Despite these changes, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is advocating for continued adherence to the AAP’s recommendations. They argue that the science behind these vaccines has not changed. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, emphasized the importance of maintaining access to the full slate of vaccines recommended by the AAP, although she acknowledged that the new federal guidelines might lead to confusion regarding school requirements and healthcare practices.
“MDHHS will continue to provide clear guidance, backed by science to help protect Michigan families,” Bagdasarian assured the public.
These adjustments in the CDC’s vaccine schedule appear to align with a growing skepticism toward vaccines, a stance promoted under the leadership of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration. They suggest that a reduced vaccine schedule might improve both vaccination uptake and public confidence in vaccines.
Nevertheless, Dr. Bagdasarian and other health professionals argue for the preservation of a proven and effective regimen. “For decades, vaccines have played a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and significant reductions in childhood illnesses and fatalities,” Bagdasarian reiterated. Last month, she issued a standing recommendation supporting the continued use of the AAP guidelines.
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