US medical groups issue vaccine guidance, sidestep Trump

The American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have published vaccine guidance for seasonal respiratory viruses, including influenza, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in response to delayed federal recommendations and skepticism surrounding the Trump administration's stance on vaccines.

These recommendations, which vary by age group and other factors, are based on the latest scientific evidence, according to the coalition. The University of Minnesota's Vaccine Integrity Project conducted an independent review to confirm the safety of these vaccines, finding no new health concerns. The guidance aims to provide clear, credible, and evidence-based advice for patients to make informed decisions about vaccinations.

AMA president-elect Sandra Fryhofer emphasized the importance of accessible and accurate vaccine information for the public. The coalition's efforts come amid a decline in vaccination rates since the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of misinformation. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been actively revising vaccination policies, including discontinuing recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns and altering guidelines for Covid-19 and measles vaccines.

However, these changes were temporarily suspended by a federal judge who deemed them to be in disregard of science-based methods, causing setbacks for the CDC's expert panel advising on vaccination recommendations.