Looney, Duff, Anwar Respond To New Childhood Vaccine Schedule, Which Will Leave More Children At Risk Of Serious Illness

Today, Connecticut Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, released the following statement following an announced change to the childhood vaccine schedule Monday by the Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

While the new schedule continues recommending some routine childhood vaccinations, others, like those for RSV and hepatitis, will be recommended only for “high risk” children. Additionally, parents who want their children to be vaccinated against flu, Covid and rotavirus will be required to consult with a health provider.

“This haphazard and alarming decision from Republicans in Washington is divorced from reality,” the lawmakers said. “Requiring parents to schedule annual doctor’s appointments for the sole purpose of getting their children vaccinated against common seasonal illnesses is needlessly complicated, even more so as flu is raging throughout Connecticut right now. The more hoops parents have to jump through for childhood vaccinations, the fewer children will be protected against viruses that can cause serious health complications. It’s another move that weakens our public health systems, contributes to the spread of illness and makes our communities less safe.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193