Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Reaffirms Support for American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule
The Californer/10336099

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has reaffirmed its support for the childhood immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The department also continues to follow guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), which aligns with AAP's recommendations. At this time, there are no changes to vaccine schedules or availability in Long Beach.

This reaffirmation comes after recent changes announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would reduce the number of vaccines routinely recommended for children. However, these changes were made without input from subject matter experts and are not based on new scientific evidence.

The Long Beach Health Department joins other public health leaders, including the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) and CDPH, in emphasizing that the AAP immunization schedule is backed by decades of scientific research, ongoing safety monitoring, and real-world public health data. It takes into account when children are most vulnerable to disease, how vaccines interact with their immune systems, and current access to care. These recommendations have been proven to reduce preventable illness, missed school days, missed work for families, and hospitalizations.

More on The Californer

• U.S. Congressional Candidate Peter Coe Verbica on America's Asymmetric Crisis
• Jones Sign Rebrands as Jones to Reflect Growth, Innovation, and Expanded Capabilities
• Waterside Productions Announces James A. Cusumano's New Book Transcendent Physics
• Fiery Nova Curates Modern, Everyday Jewelry and Crystals with Style and Subtle Meaning
• $1 Million Share Repurchase Signals Confidence as Off The Hook YS Scales a Tech-Driven Platform in the $57 Billion U.S. Marine Market

Changing vaccine recommendations without a transparent and evidence-based process can cause confusion among the public and reduce confidence in vaccinations. It can also create new barriers for families and healthcare providers. These shifts may increase the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and place unnecessary burdens on communities that are already facing disparities in health access.

National public health organizations such as the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Trust for America's Health, and the Big Cities Health Coalition have also expressed concerns about these changes. They argue that comparing U.S. vaccine schedules to those of other countries without considering differences in disease risk, infrastructure, and access to care is misleading and not a sound basis for making public health decisions.

The Long Beach Health Department remains committed to following science-based practices that protect the health and safety of children and families. Those with questions about vaccination schedules are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider. For local immunization resources, individuals can visit longbeach.gov/immunizations.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at HE-PublicAffairs@longbeach.gov.

---

Show All News | Report Violation