Local opinion: Changes to children’s vaccination schedules could do more harm than good

The COVID-19 pandemic was a remarkable moment that taught us many lessons. One major takeaway is that vaccinations work. As a pediatrician serving rural Arizona, I know the importance of providing access to life-saving vaccines to all children. I have spent over a decade helping community members’ health as a pediatrician and, during COVID-19, worked with a team of physicians to guide our community through the COVID-19 crisis. My role isn’t that of a typical doctor. I am a jack-of-all-trades — I cover the clinic, the hospital, the sick newborn babies, and many things that typical pediatricians don’t, as I work in a rural community. While the COVID-19 vaccinations were a priority, we’ve worked to combat misinformation about all immunizations while educating Arizona families about the importance of keeping up with vaccination schedules. But our work to keep children healthy can be undone if a new proposal to make potential changes to the meningococcal vaccine schedule being considered by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is set in place.

The current vaccination schedule for meningococcal vaccines has been carefully crafted based on extensive scientific research and data. It provides optimal protection against meningococcal disease, a potentially deadly bacterial infection that can strike swiftly and without warning, causing severe illness, permanent disability, or even death.

Under the current guidelines, adolescents receive a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) at ages 11-12, with a booster dose at age 16. This schedule has proven highly effective in preventing meningococcal outbreaks and safeguarding the health of our youth. It protects vaccinated individuals and contributes to herd immunity, thereby shielding those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical reasons or age.

Since implementing the vaccination schedule, 90% of 11–12-year-olds remain protected against the familiar strains of meningococcal meningitis. However, proposed changes to the vaccination schedule, like eliminating the booster dose at age 16, threaten to undermine our progress in combating meningococcal disease. While some may argue that altering the schedule could reduce vaccine burden or simplify administration, such changes significantly cost public health.

First, any deviation from the current schedule risks leaving adolescents vulnerable to meningococcal infection during a crucial period. Adolescents and young adults are among the highest-risk groups for meningococcal disease, primarily due to social behaviors that increase their exposure to the bacteria. By the time of the 16-year-old visit, adolescents are less willing to engage the medical system, which leads to 30% lower coverage at this later visit. Maintaining the current schedule at 11-12 years old ensures that this vulnerable population remains protected when they need it most.

Furthermore, altering the vaccination schedule sends a dangerous message to parents and caregivers about the importance of timely immunizations. Vaccination rates are already threatened by misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and logistical barriers. Changing the schedule could further erode vaccine trust and discourage families from adhering to recommended immunization guidelines. This, in turn, could lead to a resurgence of meningococcal disease and other vaccine-preventable illnesses, putting countless lives at risk.

As advocates for evidence-based public policy and champions of children’s health in Arizona, we cannot afford to gamble with the well-being of our communities. The current meningococcal vaccine schedule has proven its efficacy in protecting our youth, and any proposed changes must undergo rigorous scrutiny and evaluation. We urge the ACIP to prioritize the safety and health of our children by maintaining the existing guidelines and ensuring that all adolescents receive timely and appropriate vaccination against meningococcal disease.

I ask the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to pause and consider the profound implications a change in the Vaccinations for Children schedule would have on our communities. Parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers must unite to support the current meningococcal vaccine schedule. Let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting our children and communities from preventable diseases, guided by science, compassion, and a shared dedication to public health.