The Trump administration is preparing to announce a significant revision to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule next year, proposing a reduction in the number of shots and a shift toward a model used by Denmark.
Planned Announcement
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had set a Friday for an announcement on “children’s health,” but that event was postponed to accommodate the White House’s Friday afternoon plan to unveil new drug-price deals. The next-year schedule is expected to be released during the same period.
Denmark as a Model
A source familiar with the matter told NewsNation correspondent Libbey Dean that the new schedule would recommend fewer shots, “aligning more with Denmark’s vaccination schedule.” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his allies have consistently cited Denmark as an ideal example of vaccine policy that the United States should emulate.
ACIP Meeting Highlights
During a recent meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), panel members sympathetic to Kennedy repeatedly referenced Denmark’s immunization policy. A presentation on the differences between American and Danish vaccine schedules was included in the agenda.
Schedule Comparison
The presentation noted that the U.S. recommends 72 childhood vaccination doses targeting 18 diseases, whereas Denmark only recommends 11 doses targeting 10 diseases. The Danish schedule also omits seasonal vaccines for respiratory viruses such as RSV, COVID-19, and the flu, and does not mandate hepatitis B for all infants or chickenpox vaccination.
Criticism of the Comparison
Pro-vaccine voices critical of Kennedy’s frequent comparisons to Denmark argue that the small European nation does not provide a fair benchmark. Denmark’s population is roughly 6 million people spread across an area similar to the state of Maryland, and the country operates a universal health-care system with free comprehensive health services.
Public and Political Reactions
The proposed shift has sparked debate among public-health advocates and lawmakers. Supporters of the overhaul emphasize the potential to streamline childhood immunization, while opponents raise concerns about the adequacy of protection against certain diseases.
Next Steps for the Administration
The administration is expected to formalize the new schedule in the upcoming announcement, aligning the U.S. policy more closely with Denmark’s approach. Details on the specific changes and timelines will be provided in the official release.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration plans to reduce the number of childhood shots in the U.S. schedule.
- The new plan will model Denmark’s immunization program, which recommends fewer doses.
- Critics question the fairness of comparing the U.S. to Denmark due to differences in population size, area, and health-care systems.
The forthcoming announcement will clarify how the U.S. intends to balance reduced vaccination schedules with maintaining public health protections.
