Summary
President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have reduced the recommended number of vaccinations for children in the U.S. from 17 diseases to 11. This change comes as vaccination rates in the U.S. are declining and cases of vaccine-preventable diseases are increasing. The administration highlights Denmark as a comparison, although experts note differences in population size and health systems make direct comparisons difficult.
Key Facts
- President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy cut the U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations from 17 to 11 diseases.
- The U.S. has over 73 million children under 18, previously recommending vaccines against about 17 diseases.
- The administration compared the U.S. vaccine recommendations to Denmark, which has fewer required vaccines.
- Denmark has a smaller population of about 6 million and a universal healthcare system.
- Experts mention that the U.S. faces different challenges due to a larger and more diverse population.
- U.S. vaccination rates are declining, and exemptions are at a record high, while preventable diseases are increasing.
- The CDC's recommendations often guide states' vaccination requirements for schoolchildren.
- Comparisons between U.S. and other countries' vaccine schedules highlight differences in healthcare access and population health.
