Introduction to the Disagreement
For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations. The Itasca-based group’s new COVID-19 recommendations — released Tuesday — come amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine skeptics have come into power in the administration of President Donald Trump, and government guidance has become increasingly confusing.
Reason for the Disagreement
This isn’t going to help, said Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the academy’s infectious diseases committee. “It is going to be somewhat confusing,” Campbell said. “But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them.” The academy is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children.
Difference in Guidance
That differs from guidance established under U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesn’t recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but says kids can get the shots in consultation with physicians. Children 6 months to 2 years old are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and it was important that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated, said Campbell, a University of Maryland infectious diseases expert.
Response from HHS
In response, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said, “The AAP is undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks.” He accused the group of putting commercial interests ahead of public health, noting that vaccine manufacturers have been donors to the academy’s Friends of Children Fund, which is paying for projects on a range of topics, including health equity and prevention of injuries and deaths from firearms.
History of Recommendations
The 95-year-old pediatrics organization has issued vaccination recommendations for children since the 1930s. In 1995, it synced its advice with recommendations made by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been a few small differences between the academy and CDC recommendations since then. For example, the academy has advised that children get HPV vaccinations starting at 9, while the CDC says that’s OK but has emphasized vaccinations at ages 11 and 12.
Significance of the Disagreement
But in 30 years, this is the first time the recommendations have differed “in a significant or substantial way,” Campbell said. Until recently, the CDC — following recommendations by infectious disease experts — has been urging annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. But in May, Kennedy announced that COVID-19 vaccinations no longer are recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. Days later, the CDC said healthy children can get the shots, but that there was no longer a “should” recommendation.
Future of COVID-19 Vaccinations
The idea that healthy older kids might be able to skip COVID-19 boosters has been brewing for some time among public health experts. As the pandemic has waned, experts have talked about possibly focusing vaccination efforts on people 65 and older — who are among those most at risk for death and hospitalization. In June, a CDC expert panel was set to make recommendations about the fall shots. Among the options the panel was considering was whether to suggest shots for high-risk groups but still giving lower-risk people the choice to get vaccinated.
Changes in the Advisory Panel
But Kennedy bypassed the group and also decided to dismiss the 17-member panel and appoint his own, smaller panel, which included vaccine skeptics. Kennedy later excluded the academy, the American Medical Association and other top medical organizations from working with the advisers to establish vaccination recommendations. Kennedy’s new vaccine panel has yet to vote on COVID-19 shot recommendations.
Conclusion
The disagreement between the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC on COVID-19 shot advice highlights the challenges and complexities of public health decision-making. While the academy strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years, the CDC’s guidance is more nuanced, leaving the decision to consult with physicians. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of children and to ensure that they receive the necessary vaccinations to protect them from severe illness.
FAQs
Q: What is the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending for COVID-19 shots?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years and also advising shots for older children.
Q: What is the CDC recommending for COVID-19 shots?
A: The CDC’s guidance is more nuanced, stating that healthy children can get the shots, but there is no longer a “should” recommendation.
Q: Why is there a disagreement between the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC?
A: The disagreement stems from differences in opinion on the necessity of COVID-19 shots for healthy children, with the academy prioritizing the protection of children and the CDC considering a more targeted approach to vaccination efforts.
Q: What is the significance of the disagreement?
A: The disagreement highlights the challenges and complexities of public health decision-making and underscores the need for clear and consistent guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations.
