Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/cdc-issues-major-reduction-in-routine-childhood-immunization-schedule-is-a-strike-on-iran-imminent/
Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its routine childhood immunization schedule following a presidential directive to review international practices. The assessment involved consultations with health ministries of 20 peer developed nations and identified the U.S. as an outlier, with recommendations for 18 diseases and up to 88 doses, compared to fewer in countries like Denmark, which covers 10 diseases. The revised schedule reduces routine doses to about 30 by reclassifying vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis A and B (birth dose), rotavirus, and meningococcal disease for high-risk groups or shared clinical decision-making. Remaining routine immunizations include MMR, DTaP, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, and varicella, with HPV reduced to one dose. All vaccines remain covered by insurance without cost-sharing. The CDC stated that the changes aim to enhance public trust and adherence through transparency and focused protection against serious diseases. The updates also call for additional gold-standard research, including placebo-controlled trials, to evaluate vaccine benefits and risks. Pediatric experts have warned that the reductions could increase childrenās vulnerability to preventable diseases and erode herd immunity.
In other news, a meta-analysis of 168 studies involving more than 11 million participants found no reliable association between economic inequality and poorer well-being or mental health outcomes. The study, led by researchers from the University of Lausanne and the University of British Columbia, analyzed data from various world regions and replicated findings using Gallup World Poll surveys from 2005 to 2021 across more than 150 countries. Some patterns were observed, such as links in contexts of high inflation or low average income, but the overall effect was statistically insignificant and practically zero. The researchers attributed prior associations to publication bias. However, other research argues that economic inequality contributes to mental health issues through mechanisms like social comparison and resource scarcity.
Geopolitics
Protests in Iran, which began as an economic uprising on December 28, have escalated into widespread strikes and clashes, spreading to over 50 cities by early January. Demonstrators have called for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, the return of the Shah, and an end to the current regime. Reported casualties are under 100 amid crackdowns in more than 70 cities, with some protesters reportedly gaining control in certain areas using homemade weapons. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed not to yield to what he described as the enemy. Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged unity and road blockades, stating that victory is near. President Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. stands ready to rescue peaceful protesters if security forces kill them, following his administrationās seizure of Venezuelan assets linked to Iranās Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Elon Musk responded to Khameneiās statement on X with a Persian phrase translating to āfamous last words.ā Iranian officials have acknowledged internal unrest as a factor, amid economic pressures from sanctions, currency collapse, and soaring prices.
Three officials told Reuters of fears that the U.S. or Israel may launch military action soon, prompting emergency meetings and ballistic missile drills. Open-source intelligence indicates increased U.S. military air activity in the Middle East, including cargo aircraft and refueling tankers, resembling logistics for prior strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump displayed a āMake Iran Great Againā cap alongside Senator Lindsey Graham, which Tehran interpreted as a regime change threat. Iranian leadership has described the country as in survival mode, with limited tools to address unrest or external threats, as allies like Hezbollah and Syriaās Assad regime have weakened. Some reports indicate that proxy reinforcements may help bolster the regimeās efforts to suppress the protests.
Meanwhile, Israelās security cabinet has approved Operation Iron Strike following consultations chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Details on targets and timing remain undisclosed. The decision is reportedly linked to escalating tensions with Iran, including concerns over its nuclear and missile programs.
Turning east, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as a top economic advisor amid a government reshuffle following a corruption scandal in the energy ministry. Freeland, known for her anti-Russia stance and role in Canadaās NATO membership, previously served as special representative for Ukraineās reconstruction. Zelensky highlighted her experience in attracting investments and economic transformations. The appointment comes as Ukraine seeks to bolster internal resilience for recovery or prolonged defense efforts. Critics have suggested that Freelandās prominent anti-Russia advocacy could escalate tensions with Moscow.
Back on this side of the Atlantic, Denmarkās Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that President Trumpās interest in Greenland appears serious, particularly after the U.S. intervention in Venezuela. Frederiksen stated that a military action against a NATO ally like Denmark would end the alliance and post-World War II security structures. Trump reiterated the strategic need for Greenland due to national security concerns, citing Russian and Chinese presence and its untapped reserves of critical minerals like rare earth elements, which are essential for technology and defense. The U.S. is reportedly drafting a Free Association Agreement directly with Greenlandās authorities, offering funding and living standard improvements in exchange for control over defense while allowing internal self-government. Similar arrangements exist with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. The proposal seeks to negotiate past Denmark and deepen divisions between Greenland and Copenhagen.
US Politics
New York City Mayor Mamdani is raising eyebrows with his appointees. For example, his appointee as tenant czar, Cea Weaverāa member of the Democratic Socialists of Americaāhas advocated for seizing private property and, in past social media posts, described homeownership as a weapon of white supremacy. Weaver previously coordinated campaigns for Housing Justice For All and advised Mamdaniās mayoral bid, and she lobbied for stricter rent stabilization laws in 2019. Property owners have criticized such policies, arguing that they undermine housing maintenance and development and pointing to challenges in public housing systems like NYCHA. Supporters of Weaverās work highlight her role in advancing tenant protections, including contributions to 2019 rent reforms that addressed evictions and excessive rent hikes amid New York Cityās housing crisis.
Additionally, Mamdani has appointed several former Biden administration officials to other key roles. Julie Su, who served as acting U.S. Labor Secretary, has been named deputy mayor for economic justice. Sam Levine, a former top consumer protection official at the Federal Trade Commission under Chair Lina Khan, now leads the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Khan co-chaired Mamdaniās transition team, and her potential involvement in the administration remains under consideration. These appointments are intended to advance Mamdaniās agenda, which includes universal child care and fare-free bus service, through enforcement of existing laws and advocacy for higher taxes on the wealthy in Albany. Business advocates have warned that the hires signal aggressive regulatory actions that could drive corporations out of the city.
In other news, city councilors in Salem, Oregon reappointed Kyle Hedquist to the police review board. Hedquist is serving a life sentence for the aggravated murder of 19-year-old Nikki Thrasher in 2004 but was released early in 2022 following a commutation by former Governor Kate Brown. Officials have described Hedquistās perspective on the criminal justice system as unique. Councilor Mai Vang stated that his experience provides insight into community safety from a viewpoint shared by few board members. Local police and fire unions have expressed concern about the decision, citing risks associated with training individuals with such criminal histories alongside law enforcement personnel. The Salem Police Employees Union stated that the appointment damages public trust and victimsā confidence in the review process, while Nikki Thrasherās mother has condemned Hedquistās release as overlooking her daughterās murder. In response to the backlash, Councilor Vanessa Nordyke has requested reconsideration of the appointment.
Sources
Woke Salem Reappoints Teen Killer to Police Review Board for His āPerspectiveā
āBrings a perspective that most of us donāt haveā
Source | Submitted by PhilH
Economic Inequality Isnāt the Culprit for Poor Well-Being, Landmark Meta-Analysis Shows
We conclude that inequality is a catalyst that amplifies other determinants of well-being and mental health (such as inflation and poverty) but on its own is not a root cause of negative effects on well-being and mental health.
Source | Submitted by Shplad
Iranās Civil War Ignites: Protests Erupt Nationwide, Trump Issues Ultimatum, Musk Trolls Ayatollah
By day six, weāre no longer talking about strikes or protests or demonstrations. Weāre talking about full-out civil war.
Source | Submitted by John Goodwin
Israelās Security Cabinet Approves Secretive āOperation Iron Strikeā
Israelās security cabinet has approved a new military operation dubbed Operation Iron Strike.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Zelensky Appoints Anti-Russia Hawk Chrystia Freeland as Top Economic Advisor
Zelensky Names Canadaās Chrystia Freeland, Notable Anti-Russia Hawk As Top Advisor
Trumpās āMake Iran Great Againā Cap Fuels Regime Change Alarms in Tehran
the Islamic Republic had been thrust into survival mode
NYC Mayorās Tenant Czar Advocates Seizing Property, Brands Homeownership āWhite Supremacyā
Private property including any kind of ESPECIALLY homeownership is a weapon of white supremacy.
Mamdaniās Biden Brain Trust: Ex-Admin Stars Power NYCās Progressive Pivot
Increasingly, he has turned to refugees from the Biden administration who (too quietly) carried out some of the more effective pieces of the former presidentās agenda.
CDC Dramatically Cuts Routine Childhood Vaccine Schedule by Over 50 Doses
Breaking: CDC Shrinks Routine Childhood Vaccine Schedule by ~55 Doses
CDC Streamlines Childhood Vaccine Schedule After Trumpās International Review
The data support a more focused schedule that protects children from the most serious infectious diseases while improving clarity, adherence, and public confidence.
U.S. Military Buildup Signals Imminent Conflict with Iran
War is coming to the Middle East.
Denmark Warns Trumpās Greenland Threat is Real After Venezuela Escalation
If the United States decides to militarily attack another NATO country, then everything would stop ā that includes NATO and therefore post-World War II security,
Source | Submitted by jhughes1973
Trumpās Greenland Gambit: A Free Association Deal to Bypass Denmark
Trumpās strategy has two main goals. The first is to deepen divisions between Greenland and Denmark. The second is to open direct negotiations with the island, bypassing Copenhagen.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Statesman Journal, KOIN, Salem Reporter, The American Prospect, The Market Institute, Wikipedia, Fox 5 NY, New York Times, NPR, Reuters, Sprinter Press, Newsweek, ZeroHedge, and The Hill.
