The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a significant change to its childhood vaccination guidelines, reducing the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. This decision, effective immediately, aligns the U.S. vaccination schedule more closely with that of Denmark, marking a notable shift in public health policy.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the assessment that led to this decision involved a review of vaccination practices in 20 developed nations. The findings indicated that the United States stands out as a global outlier in both the number of diseases included in its routine childhood vaccination schedule and the total number of recommended doses. Alarmingly, despite the higher number of recommended vaccines, the U.S. does not have higher vaccination rates compared to these countries.
Immunizations that will continue to be recommended include those for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal conjugate, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. The HPV vaccine recommendation will change to a single dose for younger children, down from two doses, while older teens will continue to receive three doses.
Vaccines for other diseases—such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and dengue—will now only be recommended for “high-risk groups.” Furthermore, vaccines for rotavirus, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza will be guided by shared clinical decision-making, reflecting a more tailored approach to vaccination based on individual health needs.
Officials from HHS emphasized that all immunizations recommended by the CDC will still be covered under the Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal insurance programs, such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. They noted, “This means that insurance will continue to cover more vaccines for children in the U.S. than in peer nations, where insurance generally only pays for recommended vaccines.”
This announcement follows a directive from President Donald Trump, who called for a comprehensive review of childhood vaccine recommendations. He urged officials to evaluate scientific evidence and consider superior vaccination approaches utilized in other countries. In a statement, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remarked, “After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”
Despite these assurances, the decision has sparked concern among some medical experts. Michael Osterholm, from the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota, cautioned against making such significant changes without public discussion or a transparent review of the data. He stated, “Abandoning recommendations for vaccines that prevent influenza, hepatitis, and rotavirus, and changing the recommendation for HPV without a public process to weigh the risks and benefits, will lead to more hospitalizations and preventable deaths among American children.”
As this policy takes effect, the implications for public health and child safety will be closely monitored. The CDC’s new guidelines represent a pivotal moment in U.S. vaccination strategy, with far-reaching consequences for families across the nation.
