What Recent Federal Changes to the Childhood Immunization Schedule Mean for New Hampshire Families

Written By Jayme Simoes

On January 5, 2026, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to announce changes to the U.S. recommended childhood vaccine schedule following a presidential directive to align U.S. recommendations with those in other developed countries. These revisions include recommending universal vaccination for 11  diseases instead of 17, with immunizations for Covid-19, Influenza, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Meningococcal disease now recommended only for high-risk populations or individuals via shared clinical decision making with a healthcare provider.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that these federal changes do not affect New Hampshire’s childhood immunization recommendations.

NHPHA wants families to know that the science behind childhood vaccination has not changed. Vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools available to protect children from serious preventable disease, and parents should continue to rely on their healthcare providers for guidance. For New Hampshire families, this means that recommended childhood vaccines in our state remain unchanged, and children should continue receiving routine immunizations as advised by their healthcare providers.

“Changing the U.S. childhood immunization schedule to mirror other countries is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole,” said Tory Jennison, PhD, RN, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Public Health Association. “Different countries have different populations, different disease risks, and very different healthcare systems with different levels of investment in prevention and early screening—especially those with universal access to care. The U.S. immunization schedule was developed to protect  children in this country based on the way the US health care system is organized and the evidence supporting its value remains exceptionally strong.”

These changes are not based on new scientific evidence and bypass the long-standing, independent advisory process that has guided immunization policy in the United States for decades. They represent a departure from the long-standing, expert-driven advisory process that has guided immunization policy in the United States for decades.

 “Moments like this can create confusion and uncertainty for families,” Jennison added. “Childhood vaccines continue to protect children, communities, and healthcare systems. Parents should talk about the best vaccination strategies for their family with their trusted healthcare providers.”

NHPHA encourages families to continue following immunization schedules developed by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, which remain grounded in decades of rigorous scientific research and are endorsed by practicing clinical providers, not political appointees.

The New Hampshire Public Health Association will continue to serve as a trusted resource for families, healthcare providers, and policymakers by promoting transparent, evidence-based public health practices. NHPHA calls on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to uphold its mission of advancing sound science that protects the health of all people.

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Jayme Simoes https://www.lkarno.com
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