After a December 2025 presidential memorandum, HHS and CDC updated the childhood immunization schedule in early January 2026, reducing the number of vaccines recommended for all children. The change drew criticism from medical and public health groups and sparked debate about the process and scientific basis for the revisions.
After a Presidential Memo, HHS and CDC Cut the Number of Vaccines Recommended for All Children
Key Facts5
- 01December 5, 2025: Presidential memorandum directed HHS to review the childhood immunization schedule
- 02January 5, 2026: HHS announced CDC changes to the childhood immunization schedule
- 03Media reports said six vaccines were removed from the list of shots recommended for all children
- 04The policy shift drew criticism from pediatric and public health organizations
- 05RFK Jr., who previously led Children's Health Defense, served as HHS secretary
Sources7
Verified across 7 sources
—News Reports
Federal health officials slash recommended childhood vaccinations under Trump's directive→Trump administration cuts number of vaccines it recommends for every child→CDC, following Trump's orders, weakens US stance on childhood vaccinations→US Shrinks Childhood Vaccine Schedule; Drops Six Common Vaccines From CDC Recommendations→6 shots removed from US childhood vaccine recommendations→Trump administration's plan to shrink vaccine schedule sends health sector scrambling→