CHOP’s Response to Recommended Changes to the Childhood Vaccine Schedule

What changed in federal vaccine recommendations? 

On January 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shared a new federal framework for the U.S. childhood immunization schedule. These changes were not based on any new scientific evidence.

What this means for your family 

Will my child still be able to get the vaccines that are no longer recommended for all children under the new federal guidance? 

Yes. All vaccines that were previously recommended and covered continue to be available to you. 

Will insurance still cover these vaccines?

Yes. Current federal guidance says that ALL vaccines under this new schedule — including those now reserved for high-risk groups or shared decision-making — will still be covered by insurance (including private plans, Medicaid, CHIP, and federal vaccine programs). Families will not be asked to pay out of pocket for recommended vaccines.  

Why Is CHOP still recommending vaccines even If federal guidance changed? 

Our recommendation — which follows the AAP schedule — reflects strong scientific evidence that childhood vaccines are safe and protect children and communities from serious illness. We know that: 

• Vaccines prevent hospitalizations, long-term health problems, and deaths.
• Some diseases return when vaccination rates drop.
• Protection matters not just for your child — but also for babies, siblings, older adults, and people with health conditions. 

We continue to recommend the full set of vaccines listed in the AAP schedule because they protect health and save lives. 

Frequently asked questions

1. Does CHOP agree with the federal changes? 

CHOP recognizes the federal update but continues to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule, which still recommends vaccines that have been proven safe and effective over decades. 

2. Is my child still protected from serious diseases? 

Yes. Many vaccines — such as MMR, polio, DTaP, Hib, pneumococcal, varicella, and HPV — remain part of our standard vaccine recommendations at CHOP. 

3. What about flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other vaccines that aren’t federally recommended for all? 

Those vaccines are still available and are very important for your child. CHOP providers will talk with you about which vaccines are recommended based on your child’s age, health status, and risk. We encourage these conversations because your child’s care is personal to you and your family. 

4. Will insurance cover all vaccines — including those now reserved for high-risk groups or shared decision-making?

Yes — insurance policies will continue to cover vaccines that were included in the immunization schedule before these changes. You will not be denied access or coverage for these vaccines. 

5. Why does CHOP still encourage certain vaccines when the federal guidance changed? 

Decades of scientific research and data have continuously shown that the AAP-recommended vaccines are safe, they protect children from serious disease, and they help keep our whole community healthy. CHOP stands with the AAP schedule because it reflects the best available evidence and years of careful research. The federal changes were not based on any new data or scientific evidence. 

We're here with you

We know families may feel unsure about these changes. If you have questions about any vaccine, please ask us. We are here to: 

• Listen with empathy and respect
• Answer your questions clearly and kindly
• Partner with you in your child’s health 

Your trust means everything to us. At CHOP, your child’s safety, health, and well-being always come first. We will walk alongside your family through every step of your child’s care.