In January 2026, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced the number of routinely recommended vaccines for children from 18 to 11[1][2]. The new recommendations include vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus, and varicella[2]. The change was made based on a comparison of US recommendations with those of other developed countries[2]. Vaccines such as flu or rotavirus are now left to parental discretion without clear guidelines[1]. All vaccines in the three CDC categories will continue to be covered by insurance companies without patient copayments[2]. The CDC says the change allows for more flexibility and choice while focusing on protecting children from the most serious infectious diseases[2]. However, experts warn that this move may lead to a decrease in interest in important vaccinations and to the spread of diseases[1].