Virginia is one of a growing number of states pushing back against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance on recommended vaccines for children.
Under anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services, public trust in the federal health organization has eroded, leading some states to follow guidance from what many consider more dependable public health sources.
While the CDC reduced the number of universally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11, the Virginia Department of Health today announced it would instead follow the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics for immunizations.
“Vaccines remain one of the most powerful public health tools that we have to keep Virginia families and communities healthy,” said Dr. B. Cameron Webb, state health commissioner, who was recently appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger. “The majority of Virginians choose to vaccinate their children against these diseases.”
VDH said that it expects healthcare providers to continue to rely on their clinical training and professional judgement and to use information from AAP and the American Academy of Family Physicians when discussing recommendations with parents, caregivers and patents.
“VDH continues to support Virginia’s families and healthcare providers by ensuring we reinforce science-based public health recommendations to inform those healthcare decisions,” said Webb.
“The recent increases in measles cases in Virginia and the United States are a strong reminder of the importance and power of vaccines to protect our health.”
School entrance requirements in Virginia remain unchanged. Children vaccinated in accordance with either the current AAP or AAFP schedule or the AAP or AAFP catch-up schedules (including meeting all minimum age and interval requirements) are considered to be appropriately immunized for school attendance, according to the VDH.
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Crystal Graham
