On January 5, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced a revised childhood immunization schedule. The number of vaccines recommended for all children dropped from 17 to 11, with several others moving to “shared clinical decision-making” between parents and doctors.
For many parents, that’s both a relief (more room for individual choice) and a reason to slow down and double-check the details. With this (and any changes in medicine) now is a great opportunity to get the facts, ask smart questions, and set a plan that fits your family.
What Changed?
- Still recommended for all kids: protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTaP), Hib, pneumococcal disease, polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), chickenpox, and HPV (now one dose rather than two).
- Moved to shared decision-making or higher-risk groups: rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and COVID-19. These are no longer blanket recommendations for all children, but they remain available and covered.
- Insurance coverage: HHS says all vaccines recommended by the CDC as of Dec. 31, 2025 remain covered under ACA plans, Medicaid/CHIP, and Vaccines for Children — families should not face out-of-pocket costs. Up
Why the Change?
HHS and the CDC framed the update as aligning the U.S. with “peer, developed nations” while emphasizing informed, individualized decisions.
Not everyone agrees with the shift. Some medical organizations have warned that scaling back routine recommendations could lower uptake and increase certain illnesses.
What Happens Now in the States?
Even with a federal schedule change, school-entry requirements are set by states — not the CDC. That means your state’s list for daycare/school may be different (and may not change at all).
Because states set school-entry rules, expect variation and headlines. Some states may align with the federal change; others may keep prior requirements or adopt their own guidance. Keep an eye on your state health department and local school district updates for up to date information on how your state is handling the change.
What Does This Mean for My Family?
Use the change as a checkpoint: verify, weigh, plan. This is your chance to step back, ask for clarity, and move forward with confidence.
- Verify the “why” for each vaccine at your child’s age
- How common/severe is it for kids like mine this season or in our region?
- What’s the expected benefit for my child at this age vs. later?
- Where to read official basics before a visit: CDC Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are required by law before vaccination and explain each shot’s benefits/risks in plain language. Justtheinserts.com
- Weigh risks in both directions (disease vs. side effects)
- A balanced conversation compares the risk of the illness if you skip or delay versus the risk of vaccine side effects if you take it now.
- For example, medical groups highlight ongoing pediatric flu severity in some seasons; others emphasize tailoring decisions for individual kids.
- Set your plan with your pediatrician
- You don’t need an all-or-nothing answer. With several vaccines now in “shared decision-making,” it’s reasonable to:
- Prioritize what matters most right now (e.g., MMR/DTaP remain standard for all children per CDC/HHS).
- Decide which “shared” vaccines fit your child’s risk profile (travel, daycare, chronic conditions, local outbreaks).
- Revisit at the next well visit — plans can evolve as your child grows or as seasons/outbreaks change.
- You don’t need an all-or-nothing answer. With several vaccines now in “shared decision-making,” it’s reasonable to:
Questions to Bring to Your Next Well Visit
- Which vaccines are still “recommended for all children” at my child’s age? Which are “shared decision-making,” and why?
- What is my child’s risk for each disease this year in our area? How does that compare to the risks of the vaccines?
- If we defer one of the “shared” vaccines now, what signs/situations would make you advise getting it later?
- What side effects are common vs. rare? What should I watch for and when should I call?
- Can I see the VIS and manufacturer information for each vaccine we’re considering?
- How does this plan line up with our state’s daycare/school requirements?
You Have Options
With several vaccines now in “shared decision‑making,” there’s room for thoughtful conversations with your child’s pediatrician. Coverage remains in place for vaccines on the schedule, so cost shouldn’t be the deciding factor. And remember, Vaccine Information Statements are your legal right before any shot, written to explain benefits and risks in plain language.
Bring the question list to your child’s next visit, check your state’s school/daycare requirements so your plan fits your life, and use our Resources Page as a starting point for your research.
When guidance shifts, treat it as a checkpoint, not a crisis — verify the why, weigh your options, set your plan, and move forward with confidence.
Further Reading