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HHS Weighs Overhaul of U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule to Mirror Denmark, Reports Say

Officials delayed any announcement to 2026 pending decisions on a move from universal CDC guidance to a reduced list of shots.

Overview

  • Reporting indicates the proposal would cut routine childhood shots and move toward Denmark-style guidance, potentially shifting more decisions to doctor–patient consultations.
  • HHS has not finalized the plan, and a planned rollout was postponed to next year, with the agency declining further comment.
  • The effort follows a Dec. 5 directive from President Trump to align recommendations with peer nations and earlier changes to CDC advisory membership under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • Concrete steps already taken include ending the universal hepatitis B shot at birth; vaccines reportedly under review for removal include RSV, influenza, rotavirus, varicella, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis A and B.
  • Medical organizations and experts warn reduced federal endorsements could curb access and insurance coverage, raise manufacturer liability questions, and heighten outbreak risk given differences between U.S. and Danish health systems.