01.05.2026 / Statement

Families USA Statement on Trump Administration’s Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA, issued the following statement in response to the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to amend the recommended vaccine schedule.

“Removing the universal recommendation for several routine vaccinations including RSV, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal disease will increase confusion among parents, and harm access to life-saving vaccines. This action will ultimately increase the prevalence of preventable contagious diseases that can lead to severe illness and even death.”

“Americans need an American vaccine schedule, to protect our children, all with unique exposures, living conditions and risks shaped by our size, diversity and way of life. Well before we blindly adopt the vaccine schedule of a country like Denmark, we should adopt their universal health system, and its ability to deliver population-wide preventive care. For the United States, and many other countries in Europe and across the world, universal vaccine recommendations are the safest, most effective way to prevent widespread infections in our country.

“Let’s be clear: the science has not changed; vaccines are just as safe and effective as they have always been — only the politics changed. Without any public process or evidence-based medical reason, the HHS Secretary is altering decades-long vaccine policy that has kept millions of children safe from the worst diseases.

“This complicit Congress must investigate this unfounded decision, with hearings and more. Transparency and scientific integrity are not optional, especially when children’s lives are at stake. Families deserve vaccine policy grounded in evidence and expert guidance — not ideology or personal bias — with the goal of protecting the health of every child in America.”