01/21/2026
How do you feel about the recent changes to the CDC's childhood vaccine schedule?
On January 5, 2026, the CDC announced a reduction of recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11. This shift moves vaccines for hepatitis A & B, influenza, meningitis, RSV, and rotavirus to "high risk" or shared decision-making categories, a change prompted by a presidential memorandum. Pediatric organizations have criticized these changes for lacking public debate and evidence clarity.
This adjustment could leave parents and children confused about vaccine accessibility, often placing decisions in the hands of pharmacists rather than healthcare providers. The move may also increase consultation demands for pediatricians and potentially affect trust in vaccine recommendations.
"What struck me most was how much this process felt like it happened in the dark... When those types of decisions aren’t made in excruciating daylight, it becomes very, very hard—for families to trust them."
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