On January 5, 2026, the United States government announced a revision of the childhood vaccination schedule, removing four vaccines from mandatory recommendations.[1][3] Vaccines against rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease and hepatitis A now fall into the category where parents and doctors jointly decide on vaccination.[1][3] The CDC has changed the recommendation for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to one dose instead of two.[1][3] For newborns, the long-standing recommendation to vaccinate against hepatitis B immediately after birth has been lifted; mothers with a negative test can postpone the first dose with the doctor for at least two months of the child's age.[2][5] The decision was led by Martin Kulldorff and Tracy Beth Hoeg of the Department of Health under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.[1] The goal is to adapt the US plan to the standards of other developed countries, where fewer vaccines are recommended.[1][2] Vaccination costs will remain covered by insurance companies regardless of the new category.[1]