CDC Proposes Fewer Vaccine Shots for Children

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has proposed new vaccine guidelines for children. The new recommendations could reduce the total number of shots a child receives. A CDC advisory committee voted to streamline the routine childhood immunization schedule. The change combines protection against several diseases into fewer injections. For example, the new guidelines combine vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. Currently, these require two separate shots. The updated schedule would use a single combined vaccine. Health officials say the goal is to maintain protection while improving the process. Fewer shots may reduce stress for children and parents. It could also make it easier for doctors to follow the complete schedule. The CDC must still give final approval. If accepted, doctors could begin using the updated schedule later this year. All recommended vaccines would remain required for school entry.