U.S. Recommends Fewer Child Vaccines

On January 5, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a new child and adolescent immunization schedule, reducing the number of recommended vaccines from 15 to 11 and the number of diseases targeted from 18 to 11.

The removed vaccines previously recommended for children were for rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease and hepatitis A. Now, though they are still covered by the Affordable Care Act and federal insurance programs, the four vaccines are completely optional.

The revision relied on scientific review and a comparison of the United States’ immunization requirements with requirements in peer, developed nations, as directed by President Donald Trump.

“President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better,” Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. “After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families and rebuilds trust in public health.”

After consulting with health ministries of peer nations, considering the assessment’s findings and reviewing the decision memo presented by National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Food and Drug Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Acting Director Jim O’Neill formally accepted the recommendations and directed the CDC to move forward with implementation.

“After reviewing the evidence, I signed a decision memorandum accepting the assessment’s recommendations,” O’Neill said. “The data support a more focused schedule that protects children from the most serious infectious diseases while improving clarity, adherence and public confidence.”

The United States categorizes childhood vaccines into three categories: immunizations recommended for all children, immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations, and immunizations based on shared clinical decision-making.

The HHS moved the vaccines for rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease and hepatitis A from the first category to the third category. Now, these vaccines may be distributed depending on independent decision-making between a parent and health care provider. They are not outright recommendations.

Previously, the rotavirus vaccine, which protects against contagious gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhea among infants and young children, was recommended for children beginning at 2 months old for either a two-dose or three-dose series.

Influenza vaccines were generally recommended for children beginning at six months.

The vaccine for meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection, was recommended for all preteens and teens, as well as children 2 months through 10 years old, at increased risk. The disease can be prevented through three types of vaccines.

Hepatitis A vaccine recommendations previously included a two-dose series starting at 12 months.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends 11 vaccines for all children, targeting diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal conjugate, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and human papillomavirus (HPV), for which there is international consensus, as well as varicella (chickenpox).

All immunizations recommended by the CDC as of December 31, 2025, will continue to be fully covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal insurance programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Vaccines for Children program. Families will not have to purchase them out of pocket.