President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing federal health agencies, including the CDC, to align childhood vaccine recommendations with a January 2026 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) study that calls for reducing the number of routinely recommended vaccines. The study suggests limiting universal recommendations to 11 diseases, with others reserved for high-risk groups or based on shared decision-making between doctors and parents. The order emphasizes alignment with practices in peer developed nations and maintaining current access to vaccines. It instructs the CDC and its advisory panel to review the evidence and update guidelines while providing flexibility for medical providers and families. States retain authority over school vaccination requirements, and some have begun coordinating to resist federal guidance. A prior attempt to implement similar changes was blocked by a federal judge, and the administration is appealing. The study reflects long-standing priorities of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has advocated for reduced vaccine mandates despite criticism from public health experts.

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