NJ Refuses Vaccine Schedule Change From The CDC

New Jersey is clapping back at the Trump Administration, saying their decision to change the recommended childhood vaccine schedule sows confusion among patients and providers.

"Vaccines are, unequivocally, our most effective defense against vaccine-preventable illnesses. For decades, the immunization schedule in the United States has played a significant role in turning diseases that once destroyed or claimed countless lives into preventable illnesses," said the New Jersey Department of Health(NJDOH) in a release.

The state's statement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's actions on Monday to drop the number of vaccines it recommends for every child, adopting a policy that gives New Jersey parents choice but very little guidance.

"Federal efforts to reduce the number of vaccines recommended for all children in the United States are not supported by the available data nor the consensus of public health and medical experts. Instead, deterring participation in vaccination risks leaving children vulnerable to serious and preventable infections," said the NJDOH.

The new vaccine schedule is similar to Denmark’s and recommends children get vaccines for 11 diseases, compared with the 18 the CDC previously recommended. The changes are effective immediately.

The change, which officials acknowledged was made without input from an advisory committee that typically consults on the vaccine schedule, came after President Donald Trump in December asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review how peer nations approach vaccine recommendations and consider revising its guidance to align with theirs.

"President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better," Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. "After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health."

While federal officials are looking at how other nations structure their childhood vaccination schedules, New Jersey says not so fast.

"Public health must always consider local context. Unlike countries that have more tools to prevent and treat these highly-transmissible diseases, such as universal health care systems and different primary care access models, the U.S. health system relies heavily on vaccination to prevent avoidable illness, hospitalization, and long-term complications," according to the NJDOH.

In New Jersey, vaccines remain covered by insurance and available through the Vaccines for Children program.

State law requires students in the sixth grade or higher to be vaccinated for DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis), Polio (IPV), MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis).

New Jersey’s minimum requirements for school and child care attendance are outlined in the Immunization of Pupils in School rules, New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 8:57-4), and remain unchanged by federal actions to date.

"The New Jersey Department of Health will continue its commitment to protecting the health of children, families, and communities across the state through evidence-based recommendations," according to the NJDOH. "Our public health guidance and vaccine policies will remain grounded in the best available science and centered on access. We remain committed to supporting families in making informed decisions to keep their loved ones healthy and safe."

This isn't the first time the Garden State has pushed back against updated federal vaccine decisions. In December, the NJDOH rejected federal guidance that allows parents to delay the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted individual-based decision-making for hepatitis B immunization for parents deciding whether to give the hepatitis B vaccine, including the birth dose, to infants born to women who test negative for the virus.

Instead of at birth, the CDC is suggesting the initial dose be administered no earlier than two months of age.

Governor Phil Murphy previously said the updated recommendations by the Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices(ACIP) "would weaken our ability to protect public health and stop the transmission of preventable disease. We know unequivocally that vaccines save lives."

— With reporting by Sara Winick