CDC
CDC shifts COVID vaccination to individual choice, splits chickenpox from MMR
CDC has revised its immunization schedule to emphasize individual-based decision-making for COVID-19 vaccination, replacing its previous blanket booster recommendations. This shared clinical decision-making approach allows physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to tailor vaccine guidance based on patient-specific risk factors, vaccine characteristics, and current evidence. COVID-19 vaccines remain authorized for individuals aged ≥65 and those <65 with elevated risk for severe disease.
Additionally, CDC now recommends standalone varicella vaccination for toddlers aged 12 to 36 months, rather than the combined MMRV shot. This change follows evidence presented to ACIP by the CDC Immunization Safety Office showing that the MMRV combination is associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures in toddlers without conferring superior protection against chickenpox.
These updates reflect ACIP recommendations approved by Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill. According to a CDC press release, individual-based-decision-making allows for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms including entitlement programs such as the Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Vaccines for Children Program, as well as insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act.
Source:
(2025, October 6). CDC. CDC Immunization Schedule Adopts Individual-Based Decision-Making for COVID-19 and Standalone Vaccination for Chickenpox in Toddlers. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/cdc-immunization-schedule-adopts-individual-based-decision.html