Vaccine guideline changes reshape U.S. childhood schedule

The CDC announced an overhaul that reduces the number of routine childhood immunizations and sorts vaccines into three categories. State vaccine mandates remain controlled by states and insurance coverage for vaccines is not removed; next procedural steps are undetermined at this time.

The CDC announced a major overhaul of the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule that reduces the number of routine immunizations it lists as recommended. The agency now groups vaccines into three categories: a recommended list, a high‑risk recommended list, and a category for vaccines available by personal choice after consultation with a doctor. Officials said the review followed a December directive to Health and Human Services to compare U.S. schedules with other developed nations, and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary characterized the move as intended to restore public trust. What is known: - The CDC reduced the number of routine childhood immunizations and reorganized recommendations into three categories. - The recommended category retains eleven vaccines, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, HPV, and chickenpox; a second category lists vaccines for high‑risk individuals, and a third lists vaccines available by personal choice after doctor consultation (examples include COVID‑19 and flu). - Vaccine mandates for school attendance are set by states and may remain in place; the updated CDC recommendations do not remove insurance coverage for vaccines. - The changes have drawn criticism from lawmakers across parties and from the American Academy of Pediatrics, while some former officials, including former CDC Director Robert Redfield, have expressed support. Summary: The CDC's revised guidance changes federal recommendations and has become a focal point of public and professional debate. Undetermined at this time.