Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s advocacy for aligning U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations with those of peer nations, specifically mentioning Denmark, has sparked debate among health experts. Earlier this month, President Trump issued a memorandum directing Kennedy and the acting director of the CDC to explore adopting best practices from countries like Denmark, potentially leading to a reduction in the number of vaccines American children receive.

The proposal stems from concerns, voiced by Kennedy and others, that U.S. children are over-vaccinated compared to their counterparts in some other developed nations. However, critics argue that Denmark's vaccine policy cannot be directly applied to the United States due to significant differences in population demographics and health risks.

Josh Michaud, associate director for global and public health, stated that adopting another country's vaccine schedule would be like "fitting a square peg in a round hole when our goal is to prevent disease." He emphasized the importance of tailoring vaccine policies to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of a population.

Denmark, a northern European country with a population of approximately 6 million, has a different disease prevalence and risk profile than the U.S. The U.S. has a more diverse population and faces a wider range of infectious diseases, necessitating a more comprehensive vaccination schedule, according to some experts.

The President's memorandum directs Kennedy and the CDC to analyze Denmark's vaccine policies and determine which aspects, if any, could be implemented in the U.S. without compromising public health. The review process is expected to involve consultations with leading epidemiologists, pediatricians, and public health officials. The outcome of this review will likely shape the future of childhood vaccination policy in the United States.