Fact Check: Does new US childhood vaccine plan cuts number of shots from 72 to 11?

WASHINGTON, DC: The United States childhood vaccine plan has cut the number of diseases, and recommends children to get vaccinated against 11 instead of 18.

Following this, a rumor circulated online claiming that the Trump Administration has officially cut the childhood vaccine schedule from 72 shots down to just 11. But is it really true? Let us find out below.

Claim: US childhood vaccine plan cuts number of shots from 72 to 11

Several social media users came up with posts claiming that the Trump Administration has officially cut the childhood vaccine schedule from 72 shots down to just 11.

An X user wrote, "The Trump Administration Officially Cuts The Childhood Vaccine Schedule From 72 Shots Down To just 11. This is by far one of the most important moves made by this administration. Protecting children’s health is essential to the nation’s future."

Similarly, another person mentioned, "OMG. Trump just released this updated childhood vaccine schedule. From 72 down to 11. Biggest blow to the corrupt medical establishment in American history. God bless him."

"MAJOR MAHA WIN! Childhood vaccination schedule reduced from 72 shots to 11. Choice remains of course, so you can still opt in for whatever shots you want your child to have, and insurance still covers it. I voted for this!," wrote another X user.

Interestingly, the X users attached a screenshot of President Donald Trump's Truth Social post that read, "Effective today, America will no longer require 72 'jabs' for our beautiful, healthy children. We are moving to a far more reasonable Schedule, where all children will only be recommended to receive Vaccinations for 11 of the most serious and dangerous diseases. Parents can still choose to give their children all of the Vaccinations, if they wish, and they will still be covered by insurance."

Partially true: New schedule would have 22 or 23 separate shots

The claims made in the online posts are false, as the new recommended schedule shows a child would need to take 22 or 23 separate shots, not 11 as claimed on social media posts.

Moreover, President Trump's Truth Social also did not mention the number of shots a child has to take, but only mentioned "11 of the most serious and dangerous diseases." 

The new recommended schedule reduces Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine doses given around age 12 from two or three to just one, as shown in the schedule. This deviation from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval based on two doses has been questioned by vaccine and paediatric experts.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics said in an online statement that the removal of several universal childhood vaccine recommendations was dangerous and unnecessary.

Academy president Andrew Racine said, "At a time when parents, pediatricians and the public are looking for clear guidance and accurate information, this ill-considered decision will sow further chaos and confusion and erode confidence in immunizations. This is no way to make our country healthier."