U.S. vaccine guidance follows Denmark but omits social safety net

The Department of Health and Human Services revised the U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations to mirror Denmark's schedule, narrowing routine recommendations and reclassifying meningococcal, hepatitis B and hepatitis A vaccines to shared clinical decision-making; experts warned the countries differ in health systems and social safety nets.

The Department of Health and Human Services updated the U.S. recommended childhood vaccine schedule to align with Denmark's approach. The change reduces the number of vaccines listed as routine. Measles, mumps and rubella, polio, chickenpox and HPV remain routine recommendations. Meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and hepatitis A were moved to a shared clinical decision-making category for children at higher risk. Key facts: - HHS revised the national childhood vaccine recommendations to mirror Denmark's schedule. - Routine recommendations continue for MMR, polio, chickenpox and HPV. - Vaccines for meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and hepatitis A were reclassified to shared clinical decision-making for higher-risk children. - The American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the move and said it will continue to publish its own guidance, and public health experts warned the U.S. differs from Denmark in healthcare systems and social safety nets. Summary: Health groups say the change adds complexity for providers and families, and the American Academy of Pediatrics will keep issuing its own childhood vaccine recommendations. Undetermined at this time.