Why did the CDC change the childhood vaccine schedule?

The CDC changed the schedule to restore public trust, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to align more closely with international recommendations.

How many vaccines are now recommended by the CDC for children?

The CDC now recommends vaccines for 11 diseases, down from the previous 18, for all children.

Will vaccines for flu or COVID-19 still be recommended?

Yes, vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV will be recommended for high-risk groups or based on shared clinical decision-making.

Home / Health / CDC Slashes Childhood Vaccine Schedule

CDC Slashes Childhood Vaccine Schedule

5 Jan

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Summary

CDC reduces recommended childhood vaccines from 18 to 11 diseases.
Schedule change aims to restore public trust eroded during pandemic.
Vaccines for flu, Covid, and RSV now recommended for high-risk groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has implemented a major revision to the childhood vaccine schedule, decreasing the recommended vaccines for all children from 18 to 11 diseases. This immediate change brings the U.S. schedule closer to Denmark's, with the stated goal of restoring public confidence in health guidance, which reportedly waned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency's scientific assessment acknowledged a need for "more and better science" on vaccines. While not removing any vaccines entirely, the new recommendations shift some, like those for RSV, hepatitis A, and COVID-19, to be advised only for high-risk groups or through shared clinical decision-making. This adjustment is intended to reassure parents who may have become hesitant.