US Recommends Fewer Childhood Vaccines

The US took the unprecedented step on Monday (January 6) of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child, leaving other immunisations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose, but without clear guidance.

Officials said the overhaul to the federal vaccine schedule won't result in any families losing access or insurance coverage for vaccines, but medical experts slammed the move, saying it could lead to reduced uptake of important vaccinations and increase disease.

The change came after President Donald Trump had, in December, asked the US Department of Health and Human Services to review how peer nations approach vaccine recommendations and consider revising the US schedule to align with their guidance.