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U.S. scales back childhood vaccine schedule
The U.S. is cutting the number of vaccine recommendations for children, effective immediately.
On Wednesday, a prominent OB-GYN group released its vaccine recommendation schedule that differs from what the U.S. government advises.
The new schedule aligns with prior recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, before changes were made under the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
OB-GYN group ACOG announces vaccine recommendations
What they're saying:
"The new schedule is endorsed by 13 medical societies and health organizations and marks the first time ACOG has formally released an immunization schedule that differs from federal vaccine recommendations," the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) said in a statement.
The immunization schedule is specifically for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women.
"Changing national recommendations coupled with rampant vaccine misinformation are resulting in confusion for both patients and health care professionals," said ACOG President Camille A. Clare. "It is incredibly important for the public to have access to reliable, evidence-based information on maternal immunizations from a trusted source. ACOG is proud to be that source."
The new schedule aligns with prior recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Credit: Getty Images)
The group said the guidance was developed by ACOG’s Immunization, Infectious Disease, and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group and reflects ACOG’s commitment to developing vaccine guidance based on peer-reviewed scientific data and evidence-based medicine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians are among the 13 organizations that have endorsed ACOG’s 2026 maternal immunization guidance.
"Babies are among the most vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases," said American Academy of Pediatrics President Andrew Racine. "Their immune systems are still developing, and in those first months of life, they rely on us—the adults around them—to help keep them safe. Maternal vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect not only the mother but her newborn as well."
What does the OB-GYN group advise?
Dig deeper:
Four immunizations are routinely recommended during pregnancy:
- The flu vaccine, which can be taken any trimester, at any time of year, although it’s best to get it in early fall.
- The COVID-19 shot, which can be taken during any trimester at any time of year, although it’s best to receive it as soon as possible during pregnancy.
- A tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) shot, preferably as early as possible between 27 and 36 weeks.
- A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy in your first pregnancy, during September through January in most parts of the U.S. If you had the RSV vaccine during a previous pregnancy, you do not need to get it again, the group says, but your baby should get an antibody shot after birth. Your baby can also get that shot instead of you receiving the maternal vaccine.
- Other vaccines –- pneumococcal, meningococcal, hepatitis A and hepatitis B –- may be needed for women with certain risk factors. The group recommends talking with your doctor about them.
- Three others are recommended before pregnancy or after birth, protecting against human papillomavirus; measles, mumps and rubella; and chickenpox.
How do these recommendations differ from CDC advice?
The biggest difference involves the COVID-19 vaccine.
Last May, Kennedy announced that COVID-19 vaccines were no longer recommended for healthy pregnant women and children — a move immediately questioned by several public health experts.
ACOG withdraws from CDC advisory committee on vaccines
The backstory:
Earlier this year, the ACOG withdrew from a CDC advisory committee on vaccines because of the changes, which have spawned legal challenges.
RELATED: Trump backs HHS plan to reduce recommended childhood vaccines
"As ob-gyns, we have the power to combat vaccine misinformation on our own platforms, help our patients make educated decisions, and increase confidence in vaccination overall," Dr. Christopher Zahn, the OB-GYN group’s chief of clinical practice, said in a statement.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG). This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press contributed.