Changes to Childhood Immunization Schedule Put Kids at Greater Risk of Flu

Yesterday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s announced new childhood immunization recommendations. In response, Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued the following statement:

“The American Lung Association is deeply concerned about the changes made to the childhood immunization schedule, including weakening the recommendation for flu shots. The significant changes were made without going through the rigorous, scientific review process that has guided U.S. vaccine recommendations for decades. They will cause confusion for parents and healthcare providers, reduce vaccination rates and increase the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses.  

“Notably, as we are currently seeing a record-breaking spike in flu cases across the U.S., CDC has added a new recommendation for shared clinical decision-making (a discussion between a patient or caregiver and their healthcare provider) for the influenza vaccine. This change adds a burden and causes confusion, and no science was presented to support this action. Last season we saw the highest number of pediatric flu deaths since pediatric flu deaths became reportable in 2004, and 89% were in children that were not fully vaccinated.

“CDC added the barrier of shared clinical decision-making to the COVID-19 vaccination recommendation last fall, similarly without any scientific evidence presented to justify the decision. The American Lung Association strongly supports widespread vaccination, which is crucial for public health and this is especially true for respiratory viruses, including the flu and COVID-19. 

“CDC recommendations for immunization against pneumococcal pneumonia, pertussis and RSV remain unchanged, and the Lung Association continues to urge that everyone over six months get vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to protect children from serious illness, hospitalization and death.”