Don't Copy Denmark: The U.S. Needs Its Own Vaccine Schedule

A STAT opinion piece argues that CDC’s newly modeled childhood vaccine schedule—which mirrors Denmark and removes vaccines like hepatitis B, rotavirus, meningitis, and varicella from routine use—risks preventable disease in American children. The author, drawing on experience in Denmark, contends the U.S. health system’s size and fragmentation require a distinct, comprehensive schedule, and warns that abandoning vaccines could lead to outbreaks and serious illnesses, despite Denmark’s centralized care. He defends the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule and urges the U.S. to lead rather than imitate foreign policies.