A message to families: protecting children with trusted vaccine guidance

As a pediatrician and the CEO of Children’s Minnesota, my commitment to children’s health and safety is both professional and deeply personal. I understand how important it is for parents to feel confident in making decisions about their children’s well-being.

Recent changes in federal childhood vaccine recommendations have left many families understandably confused and concerned. That’s why I want to address these changes directly and reassure you about the trusted guidance we follow at Children’s Minnesota.

The importance of evidence-based guidance

For decades, vaccine recommendations have been shaped by independent panels of experts who carefully review scientific evidence before making decisions. This transparent, thorough process ensured that every recommendation was grounded in research and safety. When guidance is made without this careful review, it can lead to uncertainty and worry for parents who simply want the best for their children.

The federal government’s recent update — changing how many vaccines children should receive and when — was made without accompanying evidence that these changes will help, rather than harm, our kids. As a result, many parents are left with questions and concerns about what’s truly the best way to keep their kids healthy.

Children’s Minnesota: our commitment

At Children’s Minnesota, we remain committed to following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an organization trusted by pediatricians and families for decades. The AAP bases its guidance on the latest scientific research, rigorous public health investigation and expert consensus.

For example, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is still the leading cause of hospitalization for babies in the United States. RSV can cause serious illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants. AAP recommendations on the RSV vaccine have significantly reduced the number of children hospitalized with RSV across the country and here at Children’s Minnesota. But without sharing why, the federal government has revoked its recommendation of the RSV vaccine as well as several other vaccines that are proven to reduce hospitalizations and prevent life-threatening complications in children in the U.S.

An area of agreement

One thing the federal government recommends in their announcement is something Children’s Minnesota supports and has always practiced: shared decision-making. Every vaccine, dose of medicine and measure of care we provide at Children’s Minnesota is administered only after thorough consultation with parents and/or guardians. Shared decision-making remains at the heart of our vision to be every family’s partner in raising healthier children.

What you can do

In light of the childhood vaccine changes announced by the federal government, here’s what we at Children’s Minnesota recommend for keeping your kids safe and healthy:

• Stay informed: Trust reliable sources like the AAP, your pediatrician and Children’s Minnesota for the most accurate information.
• Keep your child’s vaccines up to date: Follow the recommended AAP vaccine schedule. It is more important than ever as preventable childhood infections return to our community as a result of falling vaccination rates.
• Ask questions: Your pediatrician is your partner in your child’s health — never hesitate to reach out when you need guidance.

Vaccines are like seat belts — essential, proven protection that keeps your child safe and healthy. You wouldn’t let your child ride in a car without a seat belt. The protection vaccines provide is just as important.

We are so fortunate in the United States to have safe, effective vaccines to prevent our children from getting serious diseases. Our promise at Children’s Minnesota is to help families by offering trustworthy, science-based guidance — now and always. Together, we can make sure every child gets the protection they deserve.