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States Push Back as CDC Narrows Routine Childhood Vaccine List to 11

Insurers and federal programs say all vaccines remain available at no cost through 2026.

Overview

  • The CDC moved hepatitis A and B, influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus, and certain meningococcal vaccines from universal recommendations to high‑risk or shared clinical decision‑making categories.
  • Pennsylvania and New Jersey say existing school-entry shot requirements remain in place, while Minnesota’s health department rejected the federal changes and will follow medical society schedules.
  • Leading pediatric groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise families to continue the prior, broader schedule.
  • Clinicians report parent confusion and experts warn that shifting vaccines to shared decision‑making could depress uptake and widen disparities due to added time and logistical hurdles.
  • The overhaul followed a directive from President Donald J. Trump to compare U.S. practices with peer nations, and reporters note the process bypassed formal input from ACIP and manufacturers.