There has been a lot of discussion about vaccinations lately.  Some feel very mistrustful about using vaccinations, particularly H1N1, since there have been multiple media reports about adverse side affects.  That fear seems to be compounded by the very fear of the H1N1 virus itself.  In addition, there has been an ongoing discussion within the mental health and medical field about vaccinations and immunizations of children and their connection to a diagnosis of Autism.   The most high profile of those who feel vaccinations have a direct causal connection with autism is actress/author, Jenny McCarthy.  She, along with several families and professionals dealing with autistic persons believe this to be true and have been advocating for safer vaccinations with less toxins, while some completely disagree with the idea.  This discussion continues….but in the meantime, changes are being made. 

Today I came across an article that details a new childhood vaccination schedule that was issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Family Physicians.  Click here to read the full article.  This new vaccine schedule was published as of today in the January 2010 edition of Pediatrics. 

Here are some of the most significant updates:

• A recommendation that children older than 6 months receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine.
• A newly licensed HPV vaccine for girls, known as HPV2, to protect them from cervical cancer, which can be caused by certain strains of HPV. Girls should get their first dose of either the HPV2 or the earlier HPV4 vaccine, which is still considered effective, around age 11 or 12.
• A suggestion that a three-dose series of the HPV4 vaccine can be given to boys between 9 and 18 years old to prevent genital warts.
• A statement that the use of combination vaccines are generally preferred over separate injections.
• The need to revaccinate some high-risk children who have already received the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). Kids at high risk tend to be those with immune system disorders. Booster shots aren’t recommended for those whose only risk factor is living in a dormitory setting, according to the new vaccine schedules.
• There does not appear to be any changes to the vaccination schedule that addresses the concerns of those who feel the current vaccinations are connected to causing autism.

Thoughts?