US reduces number of recommended vaccines for children

The United States has recently cut the number of vaccines it recommends for all children. The new guidance, announced on Monday and effective immediately, now covers protection against 11 diseases, down from a longer list previously advised for every child. This move has sparked concern among doctors and public health experts, who worry that fewer routine vaccines could increase the risk of preventable illnesses.

The decision comes from the Trump administration, with support from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The government says the change aims to align U.S. recommendations with those of other countries and rebuild public trust in vaccines. The administration claims the revised schedule focuses on the most essential vaccines while giving families the flexibility to choose additional vaccines when needed.

Which vaccines are affected and why

Under the updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several vaccines that were previously recommended for every child are now only advised for high-risk children or based on discussions between doctors and families. These vaccines include protection against influenza (flu), rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and certain types of meningitis. While these vaccines remain available, they are no longer part of the standard schedule for all children.

Vaccines that continue to be recommended for every child include protection against measles, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, chickenpox, and HPV (human papillomavirus). However, there is also a change for HPV: the guidance now suggests a single dose for most children, instead of the two or three doses previously recommended depending on age.

The Trump administration explained that the change follows a review ordered in December 2025. President Trump asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to compare America’s vaccine recommendations with other countries. Officials said the U.S. recommended more vaccines and doses than many peer nations. By narrowing the list, they hope to focus on the most essential vaccines and restore public confidence in vaccination programs. Health Secretary Kennedy stated, “This protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”

Concerns from doctors and health experts

Despite the government’s reasoning, many doctors and public health experts have expressed strong concerns. The American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the move, saying it was made without public discussion or a clear, transparent review of scientific evidence. Pediatricians warn that reducing the number of routine vaccines could lower vaccination rates over time, putting children at greater risk of preventable diseases.

Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatric infectious disease expert, emphasized that vaccine policies are tailored to a country’s specific disease levels and health system. “You can’t just copy and paste public health guidance from other countries,” he said. Experts worry that fewer routine vaccines could result in more hospital admissions and outbreaks of diseases that were previously under control.

While families can still access all vaccines, insurance coverage will not change, and parents can request vaccines no longer included in the routine schedule. However, doctors are concerned that many parents may not seek the optional vaccines, especially if they are not emphasized in standard recommendations. This could lead to gaps in protection for children and potentially increase the risk of diseases like flu, rotavirus, or hepatitis spreading in communities.

What parents should know

Health officials advise parents to discuss vaccination schedules with their child’s doctor. Even though the official routine schedule has been shortened, families can still choose to follow the earlier, more comprehensive set of vaccines if they prefer. Doctors recommend prioritizing vaccines for diseases that are highly contagious or have severe health consequences.

Parents should also understand that vaccines removed from the universal recommendation list are not unsafe. They are still considered important for children who are at higher risk due to medical conditions, travel, or other exposure factors. By consulting with pediatricians, families can make informed decisions about which vaccines to give to their children to ensure they remain protected.

The CDC and public health experts stress the importance of maintaining vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks. Even small declines in vaccine uptake can allow preventable diseases to resurface. Experts warn that diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio could spread more easily if fewer children are vaccinated over time.

Balancing trust and safety

The administration hopes that focusing on essential vaccines will rebuild public trust in vaccines, which has been challenged in recent years by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. By simplifying the schedule, officials aim to make vaccination less confusing for parents while ensuring children receive protection against the most dangerous diseases.

At the same time, doctors urge caution. Reducing routine recommendations may have unintended consequences, and parents need clear guidance to avoid gaps in protection. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public trust with effective disease prevention.

In summary, the U.S. has reduced the number of vaccines recommended for all children to 11, aligning with other countries and focusing on essential protection. Vaccines for flu, rotavirus, hepatitis, RSV, and some meningitis types are now optional or for high-risk children. Experts warn that this change could lower vaccination rates and increase preventable illness, and parents are encouraged to consult pediatricians to decide which vaccines to give their children.