Vaccines: Does Europe Do Them Better? - Science Vs Recap

Podcast: Science Vs

Published: 2026-01-15

Duration: 34 min

Summary

This episode explores the recent changes in vaccine recommendations in the U.S. and compares them to practices in Denmark, questioning whether the U.S. should adopt similar strategies. The discussion highlights the complexities of vaccine policies and the influence of public perception on health recommendations.

What Happened

Meryl Horn, stepping in for Wendy Zuckerman, discusses the ongoing vaccine debate in the U.S., particularly under the leadership of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The episode highlights the recent CDC announcement that recommends only 11 vaccines for children, down from 17. This decision seems to be influenced by practices in Denmark, a country frequently cited for its healthier vaccine policies. Meryl questions whether the U.S. should follow Denmark's lead or if this shift represents a concerning trend.

The conversation also delves into the specifics of the new recommendations, noting that several vaccines, including hepatitis A and B, meningitis, RSV, rotavirus, and flu, are now advised on a case-by-case basis. This marks a significant change in how vaccines are administered and perceived, moving towards individualized healthcare rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The dialogue touches on a viral infographic suggesting that babies in the U.S. receive 72 shots, which Meryl clarifies is misleading, as it counts individual doses over many years rather than actual vaccines given.

To understand Denmark's rationale, Meryl and producer Rose Rimmler interview Jens Lundgren, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Copenhagen. He explains that Denmark's vaccine recommendations are based on several factors, including vaccine effectiveness, cost, and the prevalence of diseases. This mathematical approach raises questions about whether the U.S. should adopt similar metrics when evaluating its vaccine schedule, especially given the current climate of skepticism surrounding vaccines.

Key Insights

• The U.S. has reduced its vaccine recommendations from 17 to 11, reflecting growing skepticism and changes in public health policy.
• Denmark's approach to vaccinations is driven by a systematic evaluation of disease prevalence and vaccine effectiveness.
• Misleading graphics and public misconceptions contribute to the ongoing vaccine debate in the U.S.
• The shift towards individualized vaccine recommendations may complicate access and insurance coverage for certain vaccines.

Key Questions Answered

What are the new CDC vaccine recommendations for children?

The CDC has scaled back its recommendations, now advising only 11 vaccines for children instead of the previous 17. This change includes removing vaccines for hepatitis A and B, meningitis, RSV, rotavirus, and flu from the routine schedule, suggesting they should be given on a case-by-case basis.

Why is Denmark frequently referenced in discussions about vaccines?

Denmark is often cited because it has a reputation for healthier vaccine policies. The U.S. government is looking to Denmark as a model, especially after recent changes in vaccine recommendations. This has raised questions about whether the U.S. should adopt similar practices.

How does the vaccine schedule differ between the U.S. and Denmark?

The U.S. has more routine vaccine recommendations compared to Denmark, which employs a more tailored approach based on the effectiveness of vaccines and the prevalence of diseases. Jens Lundgren from the University of Copenhagen explains that Denmark factors in the cost and commonness of diseases when determining its vaccine recommendations.

What misconceptions are prevalent regarding the number of vaccines given in the U.S.?

A viral infographic suggested that babies in the U.S. receive 72 shots, which is misleading. Meryl clarifies that this number counts all individual doses over the years, rather than actual vaccines administered. The reality is that children are vaccinated against fewer diseases than the total number of doses would suggest.

What impact could the shift to individualized vaccine recommendations have?

The move towards individualized vaccine recommendations may complicate the vaccination process, making it less routine and potentially affecting access to vaccines. While insurance will still cover these vaccines, the new approach requires more proactive engagement from parents and healthcare providers.