VACCINATIONS
Political medicine in Trump's USA !!!
The subject of vaccinations has become a huge conundrum, especially after the entry of COVID-19 and Trump. In India, some are against some vaccines. They just don't take them, but make no noise. In the USA also there are some "anti-vaxers", but they shout and protest. They even influence authorities to bend scientific attitudes. Read the phtocopy of a news report below.
The "anti-Hepatitis B vaccine" move is causing alarm in the American medical & scientific community.
RIGHT or WRONG ? go to https://drtramaprasad.blogspot.com/2023/01/right-or-wrong.html
Recent Change in U.S. Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation for Newborns
On December 5, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to withdraw the universal recommendation for administering the first dose of the Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine to all newborns within 24 hours of birth. This policy, in place since 1991, has been credited with reducing chronic Hep B infections in U.S. children and adolescents by over 90%, preventing thousands of cases of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer annually. The change applies specifically to infants born to mothers who test negative for Hep B during pregnancy (which covers over 99% of births in the U.S.). For these infants, the panel now recommends "individual-based clinical decision-making" between parents and healthcare providers to determine if and when to administer the birth dose, with a suggestion to delay the first dose until at least 2 months of age if not given at birth.
The recommendation still mandates the birth dose for newborns whose mothers test positive for Hep B or whose status is unknown, to prevent perinatal transmission.
This decision requires final approval from the CDC's acting director but represents a significant shift in public health policy. It has drawn widespread criticism from medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Association of Immunologists, and experts such as Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a hepatologist, who called it "a mistake" that could reverse decades of progress. Modeling studies estimate that delaying the birth dose could lead to over 1,400 additional chronic infections in the first year alone, resulting in hundreds of liver cancer cases and deaths over time, plus over $222 million in excess healthcare costs.
#### Stated Reasons for Withdrawing the Universal Recommendation
The vote occurred under a revamped ACIP panel, appointed in June 2025 by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long advocated for reevaluating childhood vaccine schedules. Panel members, including vaccine skeptics like Robert Malone (vice chair) and Vicky Pebsworth (from the National Vaccine Information Center), emphasized the following rationales during the contentious two-day discussion:
- **Low Risk for Screened Infants**: Proponents argued that universal vaccination is unnecessary for babies born to Hep B-negative mothers, as screening during pregnancy identifies high-risk cases. They claimed enhanced maternal testing could suffice to target vaccinations, aligning U.S. policy more closely with some European countries (e.g., Denmark) that do not universally recommend a birth dose due to lower transmission rates.
- **Concerns Over Newborn Safety and Timing**: Some members questioned the safety of vaccinating fragile newborns, suggesting potential links to later health issues like autoimmune diseases or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They posited that waiting until 2 months allows for a "more robust" immune response and avoids "trauma" to the infant. However, extensive data from decades of use show no such associations; severe reactions are rare (about 1 in 1.1 million doses), and studies confirm the vaccine's safety in newborns, with no benefit to delaying.
- **Parental Autonomy and "Do No Harm"**: The panel framed the change as prioritizing individual rights over blanket mandates, allowing parents to weigh risks and benefits. Vice chair Malone described it as balancing "individual rights against societal obligations." Supporters invoked "do no harm" to argue against routine intervention in low-risk scenarios.
Critics on the panel, including pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Cody Meissner, countered that the decision ignores evidence of the vaccine's benefits and risks leaving infants vulnerable to household or community transmission (Hep B survives on surfaces for up to a week). They noted the panel lacked Hep B experts, excluded CDC subject-matter specialists from presentations, and relied on unvetted claims not supported by cumulative science. The World Health Organization continues to recommend the birth dose globally to prevent 95% of chronic cases from perinatal exposure.
#### Broader Context and Implications
This is the first major rollback of a childhood vaccine recommendation in U.S. history and follows Kennedy's overhaul of ACIP, replacing many members with those expressing vaccine skepticism. It aligns with President Trump's December 5, 2025, directive to review the entire childhood schedule as an "outlier" compared to other nations. While insurance coverage (e.g., via Medicaid or Vaccines for Children) may not immediately change, a finalized CDC endorsement could complicate access, especially for low-income families, and fuel hesitancy—rates of birth-dose refusal have already risen in some states.
Public health leaders warn this could erode trust in vaccines and increase infections, as the birth dose not only protects against maternal transmission but also ensures follow-up doses (the series requires three shots). The AAP and other groups affirm they will maintain the universal recommendation independently.
For the latest official guidance, consult the CDC website or your healthcare provider. If you're a parent facing this decision, discuss with a pediatrician—the vaccine remains safe, effective, and available regardless of policy shifts.
Vaccination Schedule for Children in India (2025)
In India, the recommended vaccination schedule for children follows the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), managed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This is aligned with WHO guidelines and updated annually by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI). The schedule focuses on free vaccines provided at government health centers to protect against 12 major diseases. Additional vaccines (marked with *) are recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) for comprehensive protection, especially in private settings, and may incur costs.
Vaccines are most effective when given on time, but catch-up doses are available if delayed. Always consult a pediatrician for personalized advice, especially for preterm babies or those with medical conditions. Mild side effects like fever or soreness are common and temporary.
| Age | Vaccines (UIP + IAP Recommendations) | Diseases Protected Against |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| **At Birth** | BCG, OPV-0, Hepatitis B-1 | Tuberculosis (TB), Polio, Hepatitis B (liver infection) |
| **6 Weeks** | Pentavalent-1 (DPT + Hep B + Hib), IPV-1*, Rotavirus-1, PCV-1 | Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (meningitis/pneumonia), Polio, Rotavirus diarrhea, Pneumococcal infections (pneumonia/meningitis) |
| **10 Weeks** | Pentavalent-2, IPV-2*, Rotavirus-2, PCV-2 | Same as above (booster doses) |
| **14 Weeks** | Pentavalent-3, IPV-3*, Rotavirus-3, PCV-3 | Same as above (booster doses) |
| **6 Months** | Influenza-1* (first dose) | Influenza (flu) |
| **7 Months** | Influenza-2* (second dose) | Influenza (flu) |
| **6-9 Months** | Typhoid Conjugate-1* | Typhoid fever |
| **9 Months** | Measles-Rubella-1 (MR-1), JE-1* (in endemic areas) | Measles, Rubella (birth defects), Japanese Encephalitis (brain infection) |
| **12 Months** | Hepatitis A-1* (inactivated) | Hepatitis A (liver infection from contaminated food/water) |
| **13-15 Months** | DPT Booster-1, IPV Booster*, PCV Booster, MMR-1* or MR Booster, Varicella-1*, Hepatitis A-2* | Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus/Pneumococcal/Polio/Measles/Mumps/Rubella/Chickenpox boosters |
| **16-18 Months** | Typhoid Conjugate Booster*, Varicella-2* (if first at 13-15 months) | Typhoid, Chickenpox |
| **21-24 Months** | DPT Booster-2 | Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus |
| **5-6 Years** | OPV Booster, Oral Typhoid* (if conjugate not given), MMR-2* | Polio, Typhoid, Measles/Mumps/Rubella booster |
| **10 Years** | Tdap Booster*, HPV* (2-3 doses for girls/boys 9-14 years; up to 26 years for females) | Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, Human Papillomavirus (cervical/other cancers) |
| **14-16 Years** | Td Booster, HPV* (if not completed) | Tetanus/Diphtheria |
**Notes:**
- Pentavalent combines DPT, Hep B, and Hib.
- JE vaccine is sub-nationally provided in endemic districts (e.g., parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar).
- Annual influenza for high-risk children (e.g., asthma, heart disease).
- Full coverage: As per NFHS-5 data, only ~76% of children aged 12-23 months receive all basic vaccines—timely immunization is critical.
Vaccination Schedule for Adults in India (2025)
Adult vaccination in India is not part of a universal free program like UIP but is strongly recommended by the Association of Physicians of India (API), Indian Medical Association (IMA), and WHO for preventing diseases where immunity wanes or risks increase with age. Focus is on high-risk groups: those over 50-65, with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart/lung/liver disease, HIV), healthcare workers, travelers, smokers, or immunocompromised individuals. Vaccines are available at private clinics/hospitals and some government facilities for specific groups (e.g., pregnant women get TT).
Consult a physician to assess needs based on health history, occupation, and travel. Boosters ensure long-term protection, especially as immunity from childhood vaccines fades.
| Vaccine | Recommended For | Schedule/Doses | Diseases Protected Against |
|----------------------|-----------------|----------------|----------------------------|
| **Tdap/Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)** | All adults | Tdap once (if not received as child), then Td booster every 10 years | Tetanus (lockjaw), Diphtheria (throat infection), Pertussis (whooping cough) |
| **Influenza (Flu)** | All adults, especially ≥50, high-risk, or during flu season (June-Sept) | 1 dose annually | Seasonal influenza (respiratory illness, complications in elderly/chronic illness) |
| **Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV23)** | ≥65 years or high-risk <65 (e.g., diabetes, smoking, asplenia) | PCV13 (1 dose), followed by PPSV23 after 1 year | Pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infections |
| **Hepatitis B** | Unvaccinated adults, healthcare workers, high-risk (e.g., dialysis, multiple partners) | 3 doses: 0, 1, 6 months | Hepatitis B (chronic liver disease, cancer) |
| **Hepatitis A** | High-risk (e.g., travelers, liver disease, food handlers) | 2 doses: 0, 6 months | Hepatitis A (acute liver infection from contaminated food/water) |
| **HPV** | Females up to 45 years (ideally 9-26), males up to 45 if high-risk | 2-3 doses (depending on age: 2 for 9-14 years; 3 for ≥15) | Human Papillomavirus (cervical, anal, throat cancers, genital warts) |
| **Herpes Zoster (Shingles, RZV)** | ≥50 years or immunocompromised | 2 doses: 2-6 months apart | Shingles (painful rash from chickenpox virus reactivation), postherpetic neuralgia |
| **Typhoid Conjugate** | Travelers to endemic areas, high-risk occupations | 1 dose, booster every 3 years if ongoing risk | Typhoid fever (from contaminated food/water) |
| **Japanese Encephalitis (JE)** | Travelers to endemic rural areas | 1-2 doses (vaccine-dependent) | JE (mosquito-borne brain infection) |
| **Rabies** | High-risk (e.g., animal handlers, travelers to rural areas) | Pre-exposure: 3 doses (0, 7, 21-28 days); post-exposure if bitten | Rabies (fatal neurological disease from animal bites) |
| **Meningococcal** | High-risk (e.g., Haj pilgrims, asplenia, outbreaks) | 1-2 doses (vaccine type: quadrivalent for A,C,W,Y) | Meningococcal meningitis/septicemia |
**Notes:**
- Pregnant women: TT-1 early in pregnancy, TT-2/Booster 4 weeks later (free under UIP).
- Cost: Varies; e.g., flu ₹800-1500/dose, shingles ₹8,000-10,000/course.
- Barriers: Low awareness; only ~20-30% uptake for non-mandatory vaccines—experts urge integration into routine check-ups.
- For immunocompromised: Extra doses or special formulations may be needed.
Always verify with a healthcare provider, as schedules can vary by region (e.g., cholera in outbreaks) or personal factors. Vaccinations save lives—India has eliminated polio through consistent immunization efforts.
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### COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Indians in 2025
As of December 2025, COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, with rising SARS-CoV-2 activity observed in regions including South-East Asia, where test positivity rates have reached 11% in some sentinel sites. In India, cases have seen periodic upticks (e.g., in early 2025), but the situation remains managed through vaccination and public health measures. Recommendations for Indians (residents and citizens) emphasize staying up to date on vaccinations, particularly for high-risk groups, to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death. These align with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and international bodies like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for context.
#### Key Recommendations
- **Primary Series**: All adults and eligible children should complete a primary series (typically 2 doses) if not already done. India's national drive, launched in 2021, has administered over 2.2 billion doses, achieving high coverage (over 95% for at least one dose among adults). Free vaccinations are available at government centers via the CoWIN portal.
- **Boosters and Updates**:
- WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommends a simplified single-dose primary immunization for most people, followed by revaccination about 12 months after the last dose for high-risk groups.
- In 2025, monovalent vaccines targeting Omicron subvariants (e.g., JN.1, KP.2, or LP.8.1 lineages) are advised for optimal protection against circulating strains like JN.1 descendants. When unavailable, bivalent or original-strain vaccines still offer benefits.
- India's MoHFW follows WHO antigen composition updates, with the next review in December 2025. Boosters are prioritized for those whose last dose was over 12 months ago.
- **Who Should Get Vaccinated?**
- **High-Priority Groups**: Adults aged 60+, healthcare/frontline workers, pregnant/lactating women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, asthma).
- **General Population**: All adults (18+) and adolescents (12+) are eligible; children 6 months+ may qualify based on risk.
- Travelers (including within India): Stay up to date, as per CDC and WHO, especially for mass gatherings or high-transmission areas.
- **Timing**: Get vaccinated or boosted at least 2–4 weeks before any planned travel or high-risk exposure. Protection wanes over time, so annual updates are key.
| Priority Group | Recommended Action in 2025 | Rationale |
|---------------|----------------------------|-----------|
| Adults 60+ and high-risk (e.g., comorbidities) | Single-dose update if >12 months since last dose; use JN.1/KP.2-targeted vaccine if available | Highest risk of severe outcomes; 2024 global uptake was only ~1.7% among older adults |
| Healthcare/Frontline Workers | Booster every 6–12 months | Frequent exposure; 2024 uptake ~1% globally, needs improvement |
| Pregnant/Lactating Women | Primary series + booster as per schedule | Higher infection/fatality risk; supported by ICMR studies |
| Healthy Adults 18–59 | Booster if >12 months since last; optional for low-risk | Protection against variants; low waning risk in young/healthy |
| Children/Adolescents (6 months–17 years) | Per MoHFW: Eligible from 12+; routine for high-risk | Extended in 2022; focuses on school reopenings and outbreaks |
#### Available Vaccines in India
India's program includes WHO-prequalified options, with emphasis on local production:
- **Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)**: Inactivated virus; 2 doses, 4 weeks apart; effective against Delta/Omicron variants (65–78% efficacy).
- **Covishield (Serum Institute/AstraZeneca)**: Viral vector; 2 doses, 4–8 weeks apart.
- **Others**: Corbevax (for 12–14 years), Sputnik V, and imported mRNA/monovalent updates (e.g., Pfizer/Moderna variants) via private centers.
Supply is ample, with 50% allocated to government for free distribution.
#### Access and Logistics
- **Where to Get Vaccinated**: Government hospitals, urban health centers, or private clinics via CoWIN app (no pre-registration needed since 2021). Door-to-door drives occur in rural areas.
- **Cost**: Free for priority groups; nominal fees (~₹400–800) at private sites for others.
- **Challenges**: Vaccine hesitancy persists in some areas; awareness campaigns target villages. No major shortages reported in late 2025.
- **Side Effects**: Mild (fever, soreness); serious risks are rare (<1 in 10,000). Report via CoWIN.
#### Additional Advice
- Combine with non-vaccine measures: Masks in crowds, hand hygiene, and testing if symptomatic.
- Monitor Updates: Check MoHFW dashboard or WHO for variant-driven changes. Global data shows vaccines reduce hospitalization by 33% in immunocompromised groups.
- For Travelers from India: No entry requirements, but ensure up-to-date status for international trips.
Consult a doctor for personalized advice, especially if you have allergies or prior COVID-19 infections. Vaccination remains the cornerstone of India's COVID-19 strategy, saving millions of lives since 2021.
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