Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to re-evaluate the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule, potentially aligning it with countries like Denmark, has sparked debate among health experts. Earlier this month, President Trump issued a memorandum instructing Kennedy and the acting director of the CDC to examine and potentially adopt childhood vaccine recommendations from peer nations, with specific mention of Denmark. This directive has raised questions about the feasibility and appropriateness of directly mirroring another country's vaccine policy in the United States.

The President's memorandum suggests a possible reduction in the number of vaccines and diseases targeted in the U.S. childhood immunization schedule. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine critic, has voiced concerns that American children receive too many vaccines.

However, critics argue that the U.S. cannot simply adopt another country's vaccine schedule due to significant differences in population demographics and health risks. "It's like fitting a square peg in a round hole when our goal is to prevent disease," said Josh Michaud, associate director for global and public health.

Denmark, a northern European country with a population of approximately 6 million, has been cited as a potential model. The rationale behind considering Denmark's policy stems from the desire to potentially reduce the number of vaccines administered to children.

The debate centers on whether a vaccine schedule designed for Denmark's specific population and disease prevalence is suitable for the U.S., a country with a much larger and more diverse population, and varying regional health challenges. Experts emphasize that vaccine schedules are tailored to address the specific disease risks and vulnerabilities within a given population.

The CDC is currently reviewing the existing U.S. childhood vaccine schedule in light of the President's memorandum. The acting director of the CDC will work with Kennedy to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of aligning U.S. policy with that of countries like Denmark. The review process is expected to involve consultations with a range of experts, including pediatricians, epidemiologists, and public health officials. The outcome of this review could lead to significant changes in the recommended vaccine schedule for children in the United States.