Dr. Henderson Discusses Updates to Childhood Vaccination Recommendations
Anita S. Henderson, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic was recently featured in multiple local and national news outlets discussing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated recommendations for childhood vaccinations. As pediatricians across the country respond to the revised immunization schedule, Dr. Henderson spoke with ABC News, WDAM and WJTV to address concerns about confusion, vaccine hesitancy and the potential impact on children’s health.
The CDC’s new schedule reduces the number of vaccines universally recommended for children and divides immunizations into three categories: those recommended for all children, those recommended for high-risk children and those left to shared decision-making between parents and providers. Henderson explained that this change has already sparked questions from families.
“What it is going to do is cause confusion — confusion for parents, confusion for insurance companies, for providers and for payers,” Henderson said. “Pediatricians are not going to change what we recommend. We recommend vaccines based on the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule.”
Henderson expressed particular concern about vaccines that are no longer universally recommended, including RSV, influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus and meningococcal vaccines illnesses she says remain widespread and dangerous.
“All of those are ubiquitous. They are out there. We have kids right now in the hospital with flu and RSV,” she said.
Henderson emphasized that pediatricians are worried the updated guidance sends the wrong message at a time when vaccine-preventable illnesses are on the rise.
“We are concerned that this recommendation undermines science, because it sends a message that those diseases are not that bad or they’re not that dangerous,” Henderson said. “When we know that RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies.”
Henderson described the changes as both confusing and harmful, noting the long-term consequences she has seen firsthand during her career.
“Over the last 30 years, I have hospitalized hundreds of children with complications from influenza, RSV, rotavirus and other vaccine-preventable diseases,” Henderson said. “I have never hospitalized a child from a vaccine reaction. Vaccines are safe and effective and protect our most vulnerable patients — our babies and children.”
Across all three interviews, Henderson reaffirmed that Hattiesburg Clinic pediatricians will continue following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ vaccine schedule and urged parents to speak directly with their child’s doctor.
“Pediatricians are not going to change what we recommend,” Henderson said. “We recommend vaccines based on science and what keeps children safe and healthy.”
Henderson said pediatricians always have implemented shared decision making and advised parents to bring their concerns to their child’s physician. Henderson continues to encourage families to ask questions, seek trusted medical guidance and make informed decisions in partnership with their pediatrician.
Read the full stories here:
ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/pediatricians-negative-effects-changing-vaccine-recommendations/story?id=128962494
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About Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic consists of pediatricians who work very closely together to form a consistent and similar style of practice. We are dedicated to providing personalized, quality care for your child from birth through adolescence.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.
