Lately it seems as though health recommendations for our children are changing moment by moment. As a pediatrician, it seems as though everyone and everywhere around me are talking about the recent updates to federal vaccination guidelines. Expectedly, many of my patients and concerned parents have been asking what it means for their child’s care. 

What Changed at the CDC?

In early January, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised the federal childhood immunization schedule. The number of vaccines that are universally recommended for all children was reduced from 17 diseases to 11. Several vaccines, including hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, RSV, and some meningococcal vaccines, were shifted into a category that is recommended for high-risk groups or after a consultation with a healthcare provider, also known as “shared clinical decision-making.”.

The CDC states this change aims to align U.S. recommendations with other countries and emphasize individualized decision-making. However, it has also generated significant controversy with many pediatricians and major medical organizations since the move was made without new strong scientific evidence, ultimately leading to confusion and doubt for families and clinicians.

Grace Pediatrics’ Approach

At Grace Pediatrics, our commitment is simple: we follow science, not politics. As a pediatrician, it is my responsibility to follow evidence that protects children's health. I stand firmly with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the broader pediatric community that continue to rely on comprehensive safety and effectiveness data to guide how we care for our patients.  If high-quality, robust evidence emerges in the future, we will adapt, but only when it meets the highest scientific standards.

Why Vaccines Like Hepatitis B & Rotavirus Matter

It’s helpful to remember the tremendous progress vaccines have already made for children:

• Hepatitis B: Since the vaccine was universally recommended in the U.S. in the early 1990s, hepatitis B infections among children have dropped by approximately 75-80%. This has dramatically reduced lifelong liver disease and liver cancer.
• Rotavirus: Before rotavirus vaccines were introduced in early 2000s, this infection caused about 55,000-70,000 hospitalizations and 20-60 deaths each year in young children in the U.S.  Routine vaccinations have reduced hospitalizations by roughly 80%.

These are not merely numbers. They represent fewer hospital stays, fewer complications, and countless healthy childhoods and later adulthoods preserved.

My personal experience in RSV protection

I also want to share my experience with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and how the approval of the RSV shot has led to one the most dramatic and meaningful changes I’ve witnessed in my career.  

During the typical RSV season (typically fall through early spring), I routinely sent infants and toddlers to the emergency room or hospital because they were struggling to breathe and maintain oxygen levels. We had short-acting RSV antibodies for years, but they were limited to high-risk infants such as those born prematurely or with certain medical conditions. Many healthy young infants were left unprotected, and many of them were hospitalized.

In July 2023, the FDA approved the RSV shot, Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip), for the prevention of RSV in babies up to 24 months of age. The RSV shot is not a vaccine, but a long-acting antibody. It works within hours of administration to protect infants and young children from developing severe RSV illness and hospitalization.

I jumped on this chance to make sure that I could acquire this shot for my patients, and our office began offering this long-acting RSV antibody shot in November 2023. Since the first shot, the change has been remarkable. I have not hospitalized a single child who received the RSV antibody for RSV illness. This has meant fewer emergency visits, fewer hospitalizations, and far less suffering for babies and families. And it brings immense relief and joy to those of us who care for children every day.

A Personalized, Trust-Building Approach

While I strongly believe in vaccines and practice evidence-based medicine, I also believe deeply in meeting families where they are. I care for children regardless of their vaccine status with the same dedication and compassion.

My role is not to force decisions, but to provide honest information, discuss risks and benefits, and partner with families to create thoughtful plans based on each child’s unique situation. Trust is built through conversation, not pressure.  

Moving Forward Together

At Grace Pediatrics, I will continue to:

• Advocate for children’s health using science and clinical experience
• Support families in making informed, individualized health decisions
• Strengthen the trust between physician and family (the foundation of good medicine)

Thank you for trusting me to care for your children. It is a privilege to walk alongside your family and advocate for children’s health today and for the future.

Want more information on vaccines? The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the #1 children’s hospital in the US, has wonderful resources through their Vaccine Education Center website. Click here to learn more!