U.S. cuts broad recommendation for four childhood vaccines including flu

By Admin

07 Jan, 2026

Introduction
The United States has made a major shift in its childhood immunization policy by ending its long-standing recommendation that all children receive vaccines against influenza and three other diseases. The decision, announced on Monday, January 5, 2026, marks one of the most significant changes to the U.S. vaccination schedule in decades and has sparked intense debate among public health experts, policymakers, and medical professionals.

What Has Changed in the Vaccine Recommendations
The updated policy removes universal recommendations for vaccines against rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis A. Instead of blanket guidance, the new schedule emphasizes what it calls shared clinical decision-making, urging parents to consult healthcare providers to determine whether these vaccines are appropriate for their children based on individual risk.

Role of Health Leadership and Government Direction
The action was approved by Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill without the agency’s usual outside expert advisory review. It aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s long-standing campaign to scale back childhood vaccinations. Last month, President Donald Trump also called for the U.S. to align with other developed nations by reducing the number of childhood vaccine shots.

Concerns Raised by Public Health Experts
Vaccine experts have strongly criticized the move, warning that it could expose children to preventable illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota said there should have been open public discussion on the risks and benefits of dropping these recommendations. Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics cautioned that comparisons with other countries overlook key differences, particularly the U.S. reliance on private healthcare versus universal healthcare systems elsewhere.

Comparison With Other Developed Nations
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, officials Martin Kulldorff and Tracy Beth Hoeg reviewed immunization policies in 20 developed countries, all with universal healthcare. Their review showed that flu shots are universally recommended in only four countries, hepatitis A only in Greece, rotavirus in 17 countries, and meningococcal vaccines in 16 countries. HHS noted that disease risk varies by both illness and child.

Why Experts Say These Vaccines Still Matter
Medical professionals stress that the four vaccines prevent serious diseases that once caused widespread illness and death. Flu alone killed 288 children in the 2024–25 season, according to CDC data. Hepatitis A can cause hospitalization and long-term liver damage. Rotavirus previously sent tens of thousands of children to hospitals each year before vaccination became routine. Meningitis, though rare, can be fatal in about 15% of cases even with antibiotic treatment.

Vaccines That Remain Recommended
Despite the rollback, the updated schedule maintains immunizations for 11 diseases, including measles, mumps, and varicella. Other vaccines are now categorized either for high-risk groups or under shared decision-making. Senior HHS officials confirmed that insurance providers will continue to cover immunization costs regardless of category.

Changes to the HPV Vaccine Schedule
The new recommendations also shift the human papillomavirus vaccine to a single-dose schedule instead of two doses. This change is based on recent studies showing that one dose is not inferior to two and aligns with World Health Organization guidance. However, Merck, the maker of Gardasil, has previously stated that the U.S. FDA has not licensed the vaccine as a single-dose regimen. Gardasil generated $2.4 billion in U.S. sales in 2024.

Conclusion
The rollback of universal recommendations for four childhood vaccines represents a profound change in U.S. public health policy. While officials say it empowers parents and restores trust, many experts fear it may reverse decades of progress against preventable childhood diseases. As the debate continues, the long-term impact on child health in the United States remains uncertain.