CDC cuts childhood vaccine schedule from 18 to 11 diseases in major update

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Monday an overhaul of the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule, slashing the number of recommended immunizations.

Under the new guidelines, which are to take effect immediately, children across the U.S. will be recommended to get vaccines for 11 diseases, down from 18 under the previous schedule.

Senior officials at the Department of Health and Human Services said the change is meant to rebuild confidence in public health institutions after trust was lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed the shift during remarks at the White House, framing it as part of a broader effort to address declining vaccination adherence.

“The loss of trust during the pandemic not only affected COVID-19 vaccine uptake,” a scientific assessment cited by the CDC said.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The Associated Press contributed to this report.