What Parents Need to Know About Recent Federal Changes to Childhood Vaccine Recommendations

You may have heard that federal health officials made broad changes to childhood vaccine recommendations at the beginning of the year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all children get vaccinated against 11 diseases, down from 17.  

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to support its current Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, which is based on well‑established evidence regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness. The AAP considers: 

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• When children are most vulnerable to certain diseases.
• When vaccines work best with developing immune systems.
• The safety of recommended vaccines.
• Disease risks in the United States.
• Current access to healthcare and immunizations.
• Cost‑effectiveness of nationwide recommendations.

AAP Schedule: A Conversation Starter

While some factors are consistent across countries, others — such as disease patterns and healthcare access — can differ significantly. The AAP schedule remains a starting point for conversations between families and their healthcare providers, as it always has been. Parents are encouraged to continue making informed decisions based on discussions with their child’s doctor.

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is reviewing available vaccine science and evaluating the impact of federal changes across West Coast states. Both WCHA and the AAP continue to support long‑standing, evidence‑based immunization recommendations.

At this time, Overlake providers continue to recommend following the immunization schedules endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the West Coast Health Alliance.

We spoke with Michelle Kauffman, DO, who shared valuable insights on current recommendations, potential disease risks and how providers can help parents make informed, confident decisions about their child’s health.

Why do the CDC and AAP recommendations differ, and which should I follow?  

The CDC changed its vaccine guidelines after comparing the U.S. recommendations to the vaccine policies of 20 other countries. The CDC is recommending three categories of vaccines. The first category recommends 11 vaccines for all children. The second category recommends certain vaccines for high-risk groups or populations, and the third category recommends certain vaccines “based on shared clinical decision-making.”

The AAP recommendations are based on established vaccine safety-and-effectiveness evidence and take into consideration when children are most vulnerable to diseases, when vaccines work best, as well as safety, risk of diseases specifically in the U.S., current access to health care and cost effectiveness of implementing national recommendations.

The AAP schedule has been rigorously reviewed for both efficacy and safety. It is a great starting point for discussions between parents and provider to help make informed decisions about vaccines.

Are the vaccines still recommended by the AAP safe for my child?

The vaccines recommended by the AAP have been and still are safe for your children. The vaccine schedule by the AAP has been in place for many years based on well-established evidence-based science.  

Are these diseases still a risk in Washington state?

Vaccine-preventable diseases remain a risk in Washington state. Outbreaks continue to occur across the country, and in recent years Washington has seen renewed measles activity — with 12 confirmed cases in 2025 and an outbreak in Snohomish County in early 2026 linked to unvaccinated visitors. See Washington State Department of Health for the latest news.

Anything else parents should know about these changes?

My biggest recommendation is to communicate with your health care provider about these changes and what concerns you may have. They can help guide you through what the best options are for your health.