The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the CDC have reduced the number of routine childhood vaccines from 17 to 11.[1] This change was announced on January 5, 2026 and takes effect immediately, and is considered the most significant change in public health practice.[1] The CDC interim director has already updated the immunization schedule to reflect these changes.[1] HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2025, he replaced all 17 members of ACIP's advisory board with new individuals, some of whom are connected to anti-vaccination groups.[1] In 2025, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued its own childhood and adolescent vaccination recommendations that differ from ACIP and are based on decades of evidence.[1] In May 2025, the CDC changed its recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine, eliminating routine vaccination for healthy children and pregnant women.[1] States have the authority to mandate vaccination, but are significantly influenced by federal recommendations.[1] The change does not affect recommendations for high-risk groups.[2]