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Pediatric Vaccine Guidelines Diverge: AAP vs. CDC
26 Jan
Summary
- Pediatricians are increasingly opting for AAP guidelines over CDC recommendations.
- New AAP recommendations include an RSV vaccine, unlike CDC's narrowed approach.
- Many states are shifting to AAP guidelines, creating a public health policy shift.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released its updated vaccine recommendations, which are gaining traction among pediatricians and states over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recently revised schedule. Unlike the CDC's adjustments, which narrowed recommendations for certain vaccines and introduced shared clinical decision-making for others like the flu and COVID-19, the AAP's guidelines include a new immunization for RSV.
This shift represents a significant departure, as many doctors are now opting for the AAP's more comprehensive approach, citing a commitment to following established scientific evidence. The CDC's revised schedule, introduced earlier this month, has created confusion and concern among parents, prompting a deviation from federal guidelines in numerous states.
Historically, states have followed CDC recommendations, but a recent analysis indicates that 28 states are now diverging from federal guidelines for some or all childhood vaccines. This divergence is notably pronounced along political lines, with all states led by Democratic governors announcing they will not follow the federal guidelines, compared to only four Republican-led states. This marks a substantial change in public health policy, potentially leading to varying vaccine laws and attitudes across the country.
