Chicago – January 06, 2026
The US Department of Health and Human Services is recommending fewer vaccines for most American children, health officials said Monday.
Health officials will continue to recommend the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and immunizations against polio, chickenpox, HPV and others, but they are narrowing recommendations for vaccination against meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and hepatitis A to children who are broadly at higher risk for infections.
They recommend that decisions on vaccinations against flu, Covid-19 and rotavirus be based on “shared clinical decision-making,” which means people who want one must consult with a health care provider.
HHS said that its recommendations for immunizations against respiratory synctytial virus, or RSV, remain unchanged and that infants born to mothers who did not receive the vaccine should have one dose.
The changes come amid a sharp increase in flu cases across the country. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported nine pediatric deaths from flu this season.
HHS said that all insurers will still cover these vaccines without cost-sharing.
