The CDC and HHS reduced the federally recommended child immunization schedule from 17 to 11 vaccinations, removing shots for seasonal flu and other infectious diseases.
The US Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued updated recommendations [PDF] for the federal childhood immunization schedule, removing six vaccinations, including seasonal influenza.
According to HHS, the CDC will organize the childhood immunization schedule in three distinct categories:
- Immunizations Recommended for All Children
- Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox)
- Immunizations Recommended for Certain High-Risk Groups or Populations
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, meningococcal ACWY, and meningococcal B.
- Immunizations Based on Shared Clinical Decision-Making
- Rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
HHS secretary Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a news release that the move was in response to President Trump’s memorandum of Dec 5, 2025 to compare the US immunization schedule to other nations.
“President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better,” Kennedy said. “After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the US childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”
Public health experts, including those from the American Academy of Pediatrics, oppose the new recommendations, which were “based on a brief review of other countries’ practices,” specifically Denmark, they say.
“The United States is not Denmark, and there is no reason to impose the Danish immunization schedule on America’s families,” said AAP president Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, who called the move “dangerous and unnecessary” and emphasized the AAP would “continue to publish our own childhood vaccine recommendations.”
“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,” Racine said.
