Tag

Childhood Immunization

All articles tagged with #childhood immunization

health8 days ago

U.S. Vaccine Policies and Concerns Spark National Debate

The US has announced a major overhaul of its childhood vaccine schedule, reducing recommended vaccines from 17 to 11, modeled after Denmark, sparking criticism from health experts who warn it could lead to increased disease and hospitalizations. The new policy emphasizes fewer vaccines, with some recommended only for high-risk groups or through shared clinical decision-making, and has faced opposition from medical professionals and potential legal challenges.

health26 days ago

HHS Plans to Revise Childhood Vaccine Schedule, Aligning with Denmark

The Department of Health and Human Services plans to revise the childhood vaccine schedule to recommend fewer shots, aligning more closely with countries like Denmark, though differences in disease prevalence and healthcare systems are noted. The changes include reducing vaccines for diseases like hepatitis B and RSV, amid ongoing debates and policy adjustments, including the CDC's recent controversial recommendations on hepatitis B vaccination timing and COVID-19 vaccine access.

health4 months ago

Polls Reveal American Opinions on Childhood Vaccine Mandates

Most Americans support childhood vaccine mandates, but support has declined over decades, especially among Republicans, amid concerns about personal freedom and misinformation. Florida's plan to eliminate mandates marks a significant policy shift, contrasting with broad public backing for vaccination requirements to prevent disease outbreaks and protect community health.

health1 year ago

Minnesota Sees Drop in Kindergarten Vaccinations, Rise in Exemptions

Childhood vaccination rates in Minnesota have declined from over 90% in 2019 to 87% in 2023, raising concerns among pediatricians due to recent measles outbreaks and a surge in pertussis cases. The decline is attributed to rising skepticism among parents, influenced by political and social media narratives. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of maintaining open dialogues with families to address vaccine hesitancy and stress the critical role of vaccines in public health.

health1 year ago

"Global Childhood Immunization Stagnates Amid Rising Conflicts, UN Reports"

New data from WHO and UNICEF reveals that global childhood immunization rates have stalled post-pandemic, with DTP3 coverage remaining at 84% in 2023, below pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic caused a significant drop in routine vaccinations, and efforts are now focused on reaching children who missed their shots and strengthening immunization services. Despite some progress in regions like Africa, challenges such as healthcare disruptions, vaccine hesitancy, and inequities persist. The Big Catch Up initiative aims to address these gaps and boost immunization rates.

health-education1 year ago

"Rising Measles Cases Spark Concern in Florida and Across the U.S."

Florida is facing a measles outbreak with falling childhood vaccination rates, as only 91.7% of students provided proof of immunization in the 2021-2022 school year, the lowest in a decade. The state's Surgeon General has contradicted federal health guidance, and vaccine hesitancy has been encouraged by the governor's administration. The national average for vaccination is 93%, and 35 measles cases have been reported in 15 states.

health1 year ago

"Global Varicella Vaccination Disparities: Understanding the Chickenpox Dilemma"

The decision not to vaccinate children against chickenpox in some countries has been influenced by concerns about potential consequences, including the risk of shingles in older adults. However, recent evidence has shown that the feared increase in shingles cases has not materialized in countries where the vaccine has been implemented. As a result, the UK has recently recommended adding the chickenpox vaccine to its national childhood immunization program, with other countries also considering similar measures. The availability of the vaccine is seen as a potential game-changer in preventing severe complications and deaths associated with chickenpox.

health2 years ago

"Michigan's Looming School Year Raises Concerns over Declining Vaccination Rates"

Michigan health officials are concerned about the declining childhood vaccination rates in the state, with only 66.5% of children age 19 months to 3 years old being up to date on their recommended vaccines. This is the lowest rate since 2011 and is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused delays in routine visits and spread misinformation about vaccines. Of the state's 83 counties, 52 have immunization rates below 70%, increasing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks. Health officials urge parents to ensure their children are caught up on vaccinations and consult with trusted physicians or local health departments for concerns.

health2 years ago

Childhood vaccine confidence plummets during pandemic, leaving millions unvaccinated.

A new report by UNICEF warns that the public perception of the importance of vaccines for children declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in 52 out of 55 countries studied. The report reveals that the perception of the importance of vaccines for children declined by more than a third in some countries after the start of the pandemic. The decline in confidence comes amid the largest sustained backslide in childhood immunization in 30 years, fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic interrupted childhood vaccination almost everywhere, especially due to intense demands on health systems, the diversion of immunization resources to COVID-19 vaccination, health worker shortages and stay-at-home measures.