Given the update of the vaccination schedule for minors Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, in English), members of the Puerto Rican Society of Pediatrics (SPP) remain vigilant about the implications that could impact Puerto Rico.
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The pediatrician Ana Medina Mateowho belongs to the board of directors of the SPP, maintained that they are governed by the schemes endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other institutions that recognize vaccines as prevention tools against diseases.
“We have great concern because, for many years, vaccine schedules were carried out with knowledge according to science, therefore the schedules that pediatricians use are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC and other institutions,” he shared in a call with Metro Puerto Rico.
The pediatrician with decades of experience described the new CDC scheme, promoted by the federal Secretary of Health, as “detrimental.” Robert F. Kennedy Jr.which reduces from 17 recommended vaccines for the pediatric population to 11 in total. Some of the immunizations whose recommendation changed to be based on clinical decisions were COVID, hepatitis B and rotavirus.
The secretary of Department of Health (DS), Victor Ramos Oterodeclared that each state and territory has different strategies for the administration of vaccines, adjusted to their demographic, epidemiological and operational realities. “In that context, we are carefully analyzing the scope of the federal announcement and how it may or may not impact vaccination programs in Puerto Rico,” read the authoritative statements of the pediatrician.
“Particularly, we are evaluating the continuity and availability of federal funds, as well as the eligibility and coverage criteria applicable to both the states and Puerto Rico. This analysis is essential to guarantee that our decisions are based on complete and updated information, and that the population’s access to essential preventive services is not affected,” he continued.
Medina Mateo also maintained that it is still “very early” to comment on what repercussions the modification of the scheme could have in Puerto Rico, such as, for example, if a medical plan decides not to cover the vaccine. However, according to a CDC assessment, vaccines that were covered by insurers and also under the 2025 scheme should remain that way.
Joaquín A. Rosado Lebron covers health for Metro Puerto Rico through the Report for America program.