Pediatricians Stand By Full Vaccine Schedule for Kids

When the federal government changed its childhood vaccine recommendations last week, doctors at leading hospitals made a powerful choice. They decided to keep offering the full vaccine schedule that medical experts have trusted for years.

Children's hospitals from Seattle to Philadelphia told families that nothing would change in their care. The Cleveland Clinic, Texas Children's, and dozens of other health systems are following guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics instead of the new federal schedule that removed vaccines for rotavirus, influenza, and hepatitis A.

Dr. José Romero, a pediatrician and vaccine expert, said most healthcare providers plan to continue their current approach. These doctors are standing firm because decades of research show these vaccines prevent death and disability in children.

The decision reaches beyond hospital walls. Pediatricians hold the most influence over whether parents vaccinate their children, according to recent polling and research. When trusted doctors recommend the full schedule, families are more likely to protect their kids.

Dr. Sean Palfrey, a retired pediatrician at Boston Medical Center, emphasized that strong stances on vaccination keep disease away from communities. His message reflects what providers across the country are telling families in their exam rooms every day.

The Ripple Effect

This movement shows how local healthcare providers can protect their communities when they work together. States like Maryland and Minnesota are officially separating their policies from federal guidance to maintain proven health standards.

Democratic governors have created regional health authorities to guide vaccine policy based on medical evidence. These partnerships between states ensure children continue receiving protection against preventable diseases regardless of shifting federal positions.

Even in states without new policies, individual doctors are making the choice to prioritize established science. Their collective action creates a safety net that keeps children healthy while parents navigate confusing messages about vaccines.

The healthcare community's united response demonstrates that medical professionals will continue putting children's wellbeing first. Families can still find doctors who offer complete protection against childhood diseases by asking their pediatrician which schedule they follow.

Doctors remain committed to having honest conversations with parents about vaccine benefits, helping families make informed decisions based on decades of safety data and real-world results that have saved millions of young lives.