A recently reported revision to the childhood immunisation schedule by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has sparked discussion among Indian paediatricians and public-health experts, though Indian authorities have clarified that there is **no change** in the country’s vaccination policy.
What the U.S. revision states
The updated U.S. schedule recommends fewer routine doses for certain childhood vaccines, including adjustments to measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), hepatitis B and varicella immunisation. According to official explanations, the changes are aimed at aligning U.S. recommendations with practices in other developed countries and promoting informed, shared decision-making between parents and healthcare providers—while continuing to ensure access to all approved vaccines.
Indian perspective
Health officials and clinicians in India stress that immunisation schedules are determined by local disease burden, outbreak history and population-level evidence. Representatives linked to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare note that India still faces periodic measles and hepatitis outbreaks, making strict adherence to the existing Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) essential.
“International developments are carefully reviewed, but they do not automatically translate into changes for India,” a senior public-health expert said.
Guidance for parents in India:
- Follow the current UIP schedule as advised by government and state health authorities.
- Do not alter vaccine timing or doses based on international reports unless officially notified.
- Stay alert to local advisories, especially during outbreaks.
Bottom Line:
While the U.S. revision is being studied by Indian experts as a global reference point, there is no proposal to modify India’s childhood immunisation schedule at present. Authorities reiterate that any future changes would be evidence-driven, locally evaluated, and formally communicated to safeguard public health.
