US drops the number of vaccines it recommends for every child

"WASHINGTON -- The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child -- leaving other immunizations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose but without clear guidance. NOTE: The video is from a previous report. Officials said the overhaul to the federal vaccine schedule won't result in any families losing access or insurance coverage for vaccines, but medical experts slammed the move, saying it could lead to reduced uptake of important vaccinations and increase disease."

"The change came after President Donald Trump in December asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review how peer nations approach vaccine recommendations and consider revising the U.S. schedule to align with their guidance. FILE - President Donald Trump listens as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Oct. 16, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File"

The U.S. has reduced the number of federally recommended childhood vaccines, leaving other immunizations optional and without clear guidance. Officials state the overhaul will not cause any families to lose access or insurance coverage for vaccines. Medical experts warn the change could lower uptake of important vaccinations and increase disease. The revision followed a December request from President Donald Trump asking the Department of Health and Human Services to review how peer nations set vaccine recommendations and consider aligning the U.S. schedule with their guidance. The move drew sharp criticism from public health specialists.

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