Science & Technology
WHO defends childhood immunisation schedules after Trump administration orders fewer shots
What happened
The World Health Organization (WHO) has publicly defended standard childhood immunisation schedules following a directive from former U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce the number of required childhood vaccines. The move has sparked concerns about public health policy and vaccine coverage.
Key facts
-1.5 0.5 WHO reiterated that its immunisation schedules are based on decades of scientific research and aim to prevent millions of deaths annually from diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria.
-1.5 0.5 The directive from Donald Trump suggested reducing the number of childhood shots, though no specific changes were detailed in the report.
-1.5 0.5 Public health experts warn that deviating from established schedules could increase the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
-1.5 0.5 The CDC has not publicly commented on the directive as of the report's publication.
-1.5 0.5 The WHO emphasised that immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective health interventions globally.
Context
-1.5 0.5 Childhood immunisation schedules are designed by public health authorities to protect children from preventable diseases. -1.5 0.5 The WHO sets global guidelines for immunisation, including the number and timing of vaccine doses. -1.5 0.5 The U.S. has historically followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for childhood vaccines. -1.5 0.5 Vaccination schedules are periodically reviewed based on scientific evidence and disease prevalence.