The U.S. government is making changes to childhood vaccinations. Federal health officials have dropped several vaccines from the list that’s broadly recommended for all kids. Will Humble with the Arizona Public Health Association is not worried.
"There are going to be plenty of pundits that are out there this week that are going to say the sky is falling because of this recommendation. I just don't see it. Could have been a lot worse," he said.
The updated vaccine schedule took effect immediately and no longer recommends shots for flu, RSV, rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, and some forms of meningitis.
Protections against those diseases are now only recommended for children at high risk of infection.
Despite the changes, Humble says it’s unlikely these updates will change how doctors approach vaccinations.
"Pediatricians are not going to listen to Mr. Kennedy. Honestly, they're going to listen to the American Academy and clinical practice guidelines," he said.
And if there is an outbreak, "it will probably be at least a year or two from now and probably most likely related to hepatitis A because there could be fewer parents who don't vaccinate their kids for hepatitis A," Humble said.
It’s a highly contagious liver infection that can spread quickly in groups of small children who are not yet potty-trained and can’t wash their own hands well.
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