Health Officer: Vaccines Safe, Recommendations Unchanged

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Herbie Duber stated that a recent White House executive order has caused unnecessary uncertainty around childhood vaccination“At the end of the day, I believe we all want the same things for our children. We want them to grow and learn; to enjoy being kids; and more than anything, to live healthy and happy lives.With that in mind, it was disheartening that the White House chose to issue an executive order this week that will cause unnecessary uncertainty around routine childhood vaccination.”
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  Dr. Duber emphasized that recommended vaccines remain safe and unchanged“Recommended childhood vaccines are safe and save lives. Each of the vaccines recommended for children in the United States was approved after intense review and testing. Even after a vaccine is approved for use, it continues to be monitored for safety through many independent surveillance systems, including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Decades of data, from millions of children, show that routine childhood vaccines are safe and that serious side effects are extremely rare. Recommended childhood vaccines help protect kids against 16 diseases that can be serious, and in some cases fatal. ... Childhood vaccine recommendations haven’t changed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reviews the science, safety data, and disease trends in the United States every year and publishes an evidence-based schedule of recommended vaccines for kids. For 2026, the AAP continues to recommend a proven set of childhood vaccines, including the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and immunizations against RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease. These recommendations didn't change because the science didn't change.”
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  Dr. Duber noted that the White House order revives discredited theories without new scientific evidence“This executive order, however, is not based on any new or emerging science. In fact, it revives old theories that have been examined and disproven.”
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  Routine childhood vaccines continue to protect against 16 serious diseases“Recommended childhood vaccines help protect kids against 16 diseases that can be serious, and in some cases fatal.”
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  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for 2026 still recommends vaccines including MMR, RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease“For 2026, the AAP continues to recommend a proven set of childhood vaccines, including the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and immunizations against RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease.”
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  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for 2026 recommends vaccines with no changes to the science or guidelines“For 2026, the AAP continues to recommend a proven set of childhood vaccines, including the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and immunizations against RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease. These recommendations didn't change because the science didn't change.”
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  Vaccine requirements for Washington schools and childcare have not changed, per state rules“Vaccine requirements for school and childcare in Washington haven’t changed. States set their own rules for which vaccines children need to attend school or childcare. You can check the Washington State Department of Health website for the current list of required vaccines for your child's age and grade.”
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  Parents are advised to consult pediatricians for personalized advice“I encourage you to reach out to your pediatrician if you have questions about vaccines or which ones are right for your kids. They know your child, and they're the best resource for sorting through headlines and figuring out what matters for your family.”
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  Parents are advised to check the Washington State Department of Health website for current vaccine requirements by age and grade“Vaccine requirements for school and childcare in Washington haven’t changed. States set their own rules for which vaccines children need to attend school or childcare. You can check the Washington State Department of Health website for the current list of required vaccines for your child's age and grade.”