| The Trump administration has reclassified six immunizations that were long considered routine for kids into a category requiring "shared clinical decision-making." This approach involves the patient or patient’s parent having a conversation with a medical provider to decide if a treatment is appropriate. It’s usually reserved for complex medical decisions, such as whether someone should get surgery or physical therapy for back pain. Vaccine critics argue these immunizations have enough nuance to warrant moving them to this category. Others say dropping these vaccines to a lower spot in the new CDC vaccine hierarchy sows dangerous confusion and doubt. Now, parents who want their children to get vaccinated could face several hurdles that limit access.
💉 Even with insurance, parents may now face co-pays for those extra conversations about vaccines with swamped pediatricians.
💉 Some lawyers argue the change opens the door to more vaccine injury lawsuits. The possibility of lawsuits could intimidate doctors, even if the change doesn't increase successful vaccine litigation.
💉 Changes could affect the practical delivery of vaccinations, including the deletion of automatic electronic medical record alerts for when shots are due. |