HHS

CDC intends to update childhood immunization schedule

January 7, 2026

Key points from CDC's childhood immunization recommendations fact sheet

CDC continues to recommend that all children are immunized against 10 diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Pneumococcal conjugate, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, HPV), for which there is international consensus among peer nations, as well as varicella. The late 2024 CDC child and adolescent schedule recommended 17 immunizations for all children. Recent scientific studies have shown that one dose of the HPV vaccine is as effective as two doses; CDC is recommending one instead of two doses of this vaccine.

• For other diseases, CDC will recommend immunization for high-risk groups and populations, or through shared clinical decision-making when it’s not possible for public health authorities to clearly define who will benefit from an immunization.
• Immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations are for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, meningococcal ACWY, and meningococcal B. Immunizations based on shared clinical decision-making: rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
• All immunizations recommended by CDC as of December 31, 2025, will continue to be fully covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal insurance programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Vaccines for Children program. Families will not have to purchase them out of pocket.

Source:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Fact Sheet: CDC Childhood Immunization Recommendations.” Accessed January 6, 2026. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/fact-sheet-cdc-childhood-immunization-recommendations.html