RFK slashes US vaccines for children as medical groups threaten legal action

Back to news list

Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s34.short?rss=1...

Published: 2026-01-07T08:31:06-08:00

US Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reduced the number of vaccines recommended for all children from 17 to 11[1]. Vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal virus and human papillomavirus remain in the recommended schedule for all children[1]. Vaccines against rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and B are no longer recommended for all children, but only for children at high risk or based on the joint decision of parents and doctor[1]. The recommendation to immunize all newborns against hepatitis B has been withdrawn[1]. This step caused sharp criticism from experts and lawyers in the USA[1]. Experts warn that the change could have serious implications for public health[1].