Diamond Truths

I had the pleasure of meeting with @PahlaviReza. We exchanged insights on our respective struggles and aligned our efforts toward a shared purpose: the liberation of Iran and Venezuela from oppression. I expressed my deep admiration for the Iranian people, who continue to fight for their future with immense courage in the face of brutal repression. As authoritarian regimes deepen their criminal cooperation, those of us who stand for freedom must coordinate even more closely. The alliance between Caracas and Tehran has turned Venezuela into the epicenter of Iranian influence, jeopardizing the security of the entire Western Hemisphere. The survival of these regimes is not only a tragedy for our citizens—who overwhelmingly demand democracy—but a direct threat to global stability and the United States. By using Venezuela as a primary platform, the Iranian regime fuels instability, terrorism, and transnational criminal networks that extend far beyond its borders. A free Iran and a free Venezuela are more than just goals; they are essential conditions for a secure and democratic world. Venezuela and Iran will be free!!

Today, I updated the United States childhood and adolescent immunization schedule to recommend routine vaccination for all children against 11 diseases. Last month, President Trump asked me to review the immunization schedules of other developed nations and consider their best practices. I had productive conversations with my peers in the health ministries of Japan, Denmark, and Germany. Scientists at FDA, CDC, NIH, CMS, and ASPE also contributed to a scientific assessment and recommendation, in addition to enlightening conversations about evidence gaps and randomized trials. I’m grateful to all of them for their excellent work. The public health establishment expended a fair amount of trust over the past few years, and we are working to earn it back. One of the consequences was parents declining recommended vaccines for their children. Parents who think that more than 80 doses per child is too many may now consider giving their children the ten vaccines in the international consensus of 20 nations, plus the varicella vaccine. For other diseases, @CDCgov recommends immunization for high-risk groups or through shared clinical decision-making when population-wide benefits cannot be clearly defined. CDC, FDA, and NIH are also initiating new studies of the safety of immunizations. We will also continue to ask the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to review evidence and make updated recommendations. All vaccines that were covered by insurance under the prior schedule remain covered. Children can still receive the same vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost through private insurance and federal health programs. @HHSGov and @CDCgov will work with state health agencies, clinicians, and partners to implement the updated schedule and provide clear information for parent health care providers. We’re empowering parents and physicians to choose what’s best for each child and we are restoring trust in public health. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for their confidence and for asking me to undertake this review. @POTUS @SecKennedy @HHSGov cdc.gov/media/releases…