U.S. Revises Childhood Vaccine Schedule: CDC Cuts Routine Shots from 17 to 11
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reduced the number of vaccines recommended for all children, triggering concern among pediatricians and public health experts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a major revision to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule on January 5, lowering the number of vaccines recommended for all children from 17 to 11. The change was described by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as an effort to align American practices with international standards.
Vaccines no longer recommended for all children
Under the new guidance, six vaccines previously advised for every child are now recommended only for children considered “high risk” or through shared decision-making between parents and healthcare providers. These vaccines are:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (flu)
- Meningococcal disease
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Rotavirus
Vaccines that remain on the routine schedule
The CDC continues to recommend that all children receive vaccines protecting against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, chickenpox, Hib, pneumococcal disease, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP/Tdap), and HPV. The HPV vaccine is now advised as a single dose instead of two or three.
Pediatric groups warn of risks
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) criticized the decision, calling it “dangerous” and warning it could lead to lower vaccination rates. Pediatric experts cautioned that scaling back routine recommendations may result in higher rates of preventable illnesses, hospitalizations, and child deaths.
