The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reducing the number of routinely recommended vaccines for all children in the United States from 17 to 11, marking an unprecedented change in the childhood immunization schedule. The new schedule, released January 5, 2026, reclassifies several vaccines, including those for rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and seasonal flu, to a "shared decision-making" category. This means these vaccines are now recommended primarily for children at high risk or after consultation with a healthcare provider.

Health Secretary Robert F. Ke stated that the decision was based on a comprehensive review of epidemiological data and vaccine efficacy studies. "We are confident that this updated schedule will continue to protect children from preventable diseases while allowing for more individualized healthcare decisions," Ke said.

The shift reflects a growing understanding of varying risk factors among children and aims to promote more personalized preventative care. Previously, these vaccines were universally recommended for all children regardless of individual risk profiles. Now, healthcare providers are encouraged to assess each child's specific circumstances, including geographic location, family history, and potential exposure risks, to determine the most appropriate vaccination plan.

The CDC emphasized that the change does not indicate a decrease in the importance of vaccination. Rather, it signifies a move towards a more targeted approach. "Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to protect children from serious diseases," a CDC spokesperson said. "This new schedule simply allows for a more nuanced approach to vaccine recommendations."

Some experts have expressed concern about the potential for decreased vaccination rates and the impact on herd immunity. Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, noted that "shared decision-making" can be challenging in practice, potentially leading to confusion and parental hesitancy. "It's crucial that healthcare providers are well-equipped to have these conversations with families and provide clear, evidence-based information," Carter said.

The CDC plans to launch a public health campaign to educate parents and healthcare providers about the new vaccine schedule and the importance of shared decision-making. They will also provide resources and training to support healthcare providers in implementing the updated recommendations. The agency will continue to monitor vaccination rates and disease incidence to assess the impact of the new schedule and make adjustments as needed.