Childhood vaccine mandates face renewed debate after U.S. changes

The article reports that U.S. recommendations for childhood vaccines were recently reduced from 17 to 11, and that ACIP chair Dr. Kirk Milhoan said vaccines could be optional, prompting renewed debate over school and daycare mandates.

U.S. officials recently reduced the childhood vaccine schedule, cutting recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. Last week, Dr. Kirk Milhoan, chair of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said all vaccines, including polio and measles, might be made optional. That suggestion has prompted renewed discussion about whether mandates for school and daycare should remain in place. In Canada, only Ontario and New Brunswick currently require routine childhood vaccinations for school entry. Key facts: - The U.S. recommendation list was reduced to 11 diseases from 17, as reported. - ACIP chair Dr. Kirk Milhoan suggested vaccines including polio and measles could be made optional. - All 50 U.S. states currently have school vaccine mandates; in Canada, only Ontario and New Brunswick do. - The piece cites a World Health Organization analysis saying childhood vaccination has saved about 154 million lives over the past 50 years. Summary: The article frames the ACIP chair's comments as reopening debate about mandatory childhood vaccination and highlights public-health and ethical considerations. Undetermined at this time.