Global Health Experts Sound Alarm Over US Vaccine and Painkiller Policy Changes

US Vaccine, Painkiller Stances Concern Global Health Experts In a move that has left global health experts worried, the US government recently updated its recommendations for childhood vaccines and painkillers, sparking concerns about the potential impact on public health worldwide. According to sources, the changes were announced by President Donald Trump during a White House briefing in September 2025. The updates, made by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), affect several key areas of vaccination and medication guidance. Firstly, the committee recommended that children receive the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine at an older age than previously advised, citing concerns about potential side effects. Secondly, COVID-19 vaccines are now mandatory for all US residents, regardless of age or health status. However, it was Trump's comments on the hepatitis B vaccine that raised eyebrows among global health experts. The President suggested that newborns should not receive the vaccine until they are at least 12 years old, contradicting current medical advice which recommends immunization over the course of their first 18 months. "We're not doctors, but we're giving our opinion," Trump said during the briefing, when asked about his stance on the hepatitis B vaccine. "We want to make sure that these kids are safe." Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a leading expert in infectious diseases and a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed concern about the potential consequences of these changes. "These updates could undermine trust in vaccination programs worldwide," she warned. "It's essential that we rely on scientific evidence when making decisions about public health." The US government's stance on painkillers has also been criticized by experts. Trump and his health officials announced a change to the recommended use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and early childhood, citing limited studies showing potential risks. "We're not saying that these medications are bad," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "However, we need to be cautious when making recommendations based on incomplete data." Global health experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice on vaccination and medication use. Background and Context The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is responsible for developing and updating vaccine recommendations in the United States. The committee's decisions are informed by scientific evidence and expert consensus. Additional Perspectives Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and vaccine researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, noted that these changes could have far-reaching consequences. "If we undermine trust in vaccination programs, it will be difficult to recover," he said. Current Status and Next Developments The US government's updated recommendations are currently being implemented across the country. Global health experts are closely monitoring the situation, urging caution and emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making. As the world grapples with these developments, one thing is clear: the need for accurate, reliable information on vaccination and medication use has never been more pressing. *Reporting by Dw.*