Trump Administration Overhauls Childhood Vaccine Schedule, Reducing Recommendations and Sparking Industry Backlash
On January 5, 2026, the Trump administration via HHS and CDC reduced the US childhood vaccine schedule from 17 to 11 universally recommended immunizations, modeling it after Denmark and other peer nations137.
Vaccines no longer universally recommended include those for rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and COVID-19; HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is now one dose instead of two, with others shifted to high-risk groups or shared decision-making134.
The change fulfills directives from President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to align with international practices amid declining US vaccination rates136.
Public health experts, American Academy of Pediatrics, and groups like RWJF strongly oppose the overhaul, warning of increased disease outbreaks, confusion for parents, and bypassing evidence-based ACIP processes; recent measles deaths in Texas highlighted risks345.
Industry and advocates anticipate legal challenges under the Administrative Procedures Act and potential lawsuits against manufacturers, as downgrading shots may facilitate vaccine injury claims36.
Sources:
1. https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/trump-rfk-kennedy-vaccine-schedule-children
3. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-vaccines/hhs-announces-unprecedented-overhaul-us-childhood-vaccine-schedule
4. https://www.msv.org/blog/news/cdc-overhauls-childhood-vaccination-schedule-reduces-number-of-recommended-shots/
5. https://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/newsroom/2026/01/rwjf-statement-on-hhs-overhaul-of-childhood-vaccine-schedule.html
6. https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/07/the-big-plan-behind-kennedys-overhaul-of-childhood-vaccines-00713852
7. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/cdc-acts-presidential-memorandum-update-childhood-immunization-schedule.html