CDC staff 'blindsided' as child vaccine schedule unilaterally overhauled

Washington Post reports the U.S. just cut back which childhood vaccines it routinely recommends — and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) staff say they were blindsided by a top deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. making the change unilaterally. Public health groups warn this unprecedented move could weaken protections against deadly but preventable diseases.

The comments lit up like a siren. One camp sees a population play, while another paints a grim picture: fewer shots means the U.S. could “go the way of developing countries,” with diseases like tuberculosis and typhoid creeping back and wallets taking a hit. A link-out crowd flagged the earlier HN thread and even dropped the UK’s MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) approving a self‑replicating COVID mRNA vaccine — talk about whiplash: fewer shots here, sci‑fi shots there. The tone got spicy and partisan, with a bleak jab at political tribes, while the comedy relief showed up as aisle‑five sarcasm: “Why not lose your mind over throat lozenges?” The vibe: high stakes, low trust, and dueling memes about safety versus freedom. Whatever your take, the community’s message is loud — mess with the kid vaccine list, and expect a full internet meltdown.