HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital continues to strongly support routine childhood immunizations as a cornerstone of protecting infants and children from serious, preventable diseases.
Recent updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) childhood vaccine schedule have led to questions among parents and caregivers. The revised guidance moves away from universal recommendations for several vaccines, instead suggesting immunization based on individual risk or clinical decision-making, without clearly defining which children are considered “high risk.”
“Vaccines protect children by safely preparing the immune system to prevent severe illness before exposure occurs,” said Sarah Iriana, interim vice president of Penn State Health Children’s Services and interim pediatrician-in-chief of Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Without widespread immunization, babies and children face increased risk of hospitalization, long-term complications and, in some cases, death. Declining immunization rates nationally have already contributed to rising cases of flu, measles, whooping cough and other preventable diseases. Our commitment remains clear: protecting children’s health through compassionate, evidence-based care and clear, reliable information.”
Leading medical and public health organizations — including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, American Academy of Family Physicians and the Pennsylvania Department of Health — continue to strongly recommend universal childhood vaccination based on decades of scientific evidence. Routine childhood immunizations have prevented millions of hospitalizations and saved countless lives.
Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital follows the evidence-based immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and encourages parents and caregivers to discuss vaccines with their child’s pediatrician. Additional trusted information is available through the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.healthychildren.org.