In a landmark policy reversal, the United States has fundamentally restructured its childhood immunization recommendations, moving away from universal vaccination mandates for several diseases. The Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the overhaul that eliminates routine immunization recommendations for rotavirus, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal disease for all children.
The new framework, adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shifts these vaccines from standard practice to selective administration based on individual risk assessment. The policy change means physicians and parents will now determine necessity for these immunizations rather than following blanket recommendations. This approach mirrors the CDC’s existing model for COVID-19 vaccinations implemented in 2025.
The revision reduces the number of universally recommended pediatric vaccines from 17 to 11, marking the most significant alteration to the country’s immunization schedule in decades. President Donald Trump celebrated the decision, acknowledging the influence of ‘MAHA Moms’—online advocates who strongly support Kennedy’s health agenda.
The administration justified the changes as aligning US policy with international standards, specifically referencing Denmark’s vaccination model. Health officials conducted comparative analyses with peer nations following Trump’s directive last month to review the American schedule.
Medical experts and public health organizations have expressed profound concern about the policy shift. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases chair, Dr. Sean O’Leary, emphasized that the established vaccine schedule represents ‘one of the most thoroughly researched tools we have to protect children from serious, sometimes deadly diseases.’
Researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project noted that Denmark’s approach reflects specific societal conditions—including homogeneous population, centralized healthcare, and low baseline disease prevalence—that differ dramatically from the US context. Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician who cast the deciding vote confirming Kennedy’s appointment, warned the changes would ‘make America sicker’ by creating unnecessary fear and confusion.
Despite the policy change, federal officials assure that insurance coverage for all previously recommended vaccines will continue without cost sharing. The administration maintains the new framework strengthens transparency and informed consent while protecting children’s health.