The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a significant update to the US childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines routinely recommended for children from 17 to 11.This decision follows a directive from President Trump aimed at aligning US vaccination practices with those of peer, developed countries.
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hhs.govempr.comOn December 5, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Acting Director of the CDC to review international best practices regarding childhood vaccinations.The goal was to evaluate whether superior approaches exist abroad and to update the US schedule accordingly while ensuring continued access to vaccines for American children.
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hhs.govwhitehouse.govThe comprehensive assessment compared US immunization practices with those of 20 peer nations, revealing that the US is a significant outlier in the number of vaccines recommended.For instance, while the US recommended vaccinations for 18 diseases, Denmark only recommends 10.
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hhs.govempr.comThe review highlighted that many countries achieve high vaccination rates and positive health outcomes through public trust and education rather than mandates.
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hhs.govActing CDC Director Jim O'Neill stated, "The data support a more focused schedule that protects children from the most serious infectious diseases while improving clarity, adherence, and public confidence." The new immunization schedule categorizes vaccines into three distinct groups: those recommended for all children, those for high-risk groups, and those based on shared clinical decision-making.
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hhs.govempr.comThe vaccines that remain universally recommended include those for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox).However, vaccines such as rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, and seasonal flu are now recommended only for high-risk groups or after consultation with healthcare providers.
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npr.orgempr.comHealth Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr emphasized the importance of this overhaul, stating, "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 approach aims to protect children, respect family choices, and rebuild trust in public health.
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hhs.govnpr.orgThe CDC's decision comes amid concerns about declining public trust in health institutions and falling vaccination rates.Between 2020 and 2024, there was a notable decrease in public confidence, which has been linked to increased risks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
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hhs.govnpr.orgDr Marty Makary, a key figure in the assessment, noted, "Public health works only when people trust it," underscoring the need for transparency and rigorous science.
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hhs.govIn addition to the changes in the immunization schedule, the CDC has committed to funding more gold standard scientific research, including placebo-controlled trials, to better understand vaccine benefits and risks.This commitment aims to ensure that the vaccination schedule is continuously evaluated and updated as new data emerges.
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hhs.govnpr.orgThe updated immunization schedule is expected to be published on CDC.gov by October 7, 2025, and will include educational resources for parents and healthcare providers to facilitate informed decision-making regarding vaccinations.
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cdc.govWhile the changes have been met with support from some quarters, they have also drawn criticism.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has expressed concern that the new guidelines compromise long-standing, evidence-based standards.AAP President Andrew D.Racine stated, "The United States is not Denmark, and there is no reason to impose the Danish immunization schedule on America's families." He affirmed that the AAP would continue to publish its own childhood vaccine recommendations.
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empr.comAs the CDC moves forward with these changes, it will collaborate with state health agencies, physician groups, and other partners to ensure a smooth implementation of the updated immunization schedule.
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hhs.govempr.comThe CDC's decision marks a pivotal moment in US public health policy, reflecting a shift towards a more individualized approach to childhood vaccinations while aiming to restore public trust in immunization practices.
