15 Jan 2026 Federal Changes Do Not Impact Vaccine Access

There are no changes in vaccine recommendations and availability in Philadelphia. 

On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the pediatric immunization schedule, changing several routine childhood vaccines from a routine recommended category to a shared-decision-making and/or high-risk category. Despite these changes to the schedule, families can still access the full range of childhood immunizations as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to protect their children from serious diseases. In addition, all immunizations recommended by the CDC as of December 31, 2025, including those that have been moved to shared clinical decision-making, will continue to be fully covered by Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal insurance programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. 

Summary of Changes and Clinical Implications: 

None of the established ages or intervals in the routine pediatric immunization schedule have changed except for HPV. 

• Rotavirus, MCV4, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and influenza were moved from routine to shared clinical decision-making.
• COVID-19 vaccine remains in the shared decision-making category. 
• HPV has been changed from 2 doses to a 1 dose series. There is evidence to support the lifetime protection offered by one dose of the HPV vaccine.  
• RSV immunization was shifted to a high-risk population category. However, the schedule states that all babies whose birthing parents did not receive RSV vaccination during pregnancy would qualify, indicating no change in clinical practice. Children aged 8-19 months with certain risk factors can also continue to receive RSV antibody as clinically indicated.
• Other vaccines indicated for high-risk populations include hepatitis B, dengue, MCV4, menB, and hepatitis A.  
• Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and MCV4 were both indicated for high-risk populations and for shared decision-making. The risk factors/indications for administering these vaccines to certain vulnerable populations have not changed. Scientific consensus continues to show that these vaccines prevent significant complications, hospitalizations, and death in children regardless of risk factors.   

Pediatricians should continue to offer all childhood vaccines, including those under “shared decision-making,” to patients and their families at the established recommended ages and intervals.  

Shared decision-making with the pediatrician explaining the immunizations needed, and the parent accepting receipt of the necessary immunizations is a well-established part of the well visit workflow. 

Administrative Considerations

• Based on the information released by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), there are no expected changes to the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program regarding immunization access or insurance coverage.  
• There will be no changes to school entry vaccine requirements in Pennsylvania. 

Next Steps

As always, immunization decisions should be made between clinicians and patients. Access to immunizations should be ensured for all parents so that they can protect their children. Trusted clinicians like you can empower your patients with the information they need to make informed decisions.   

We will continue to keep you informed as we receive updates that affect your pediatric patients. Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping Philadelphians healthy.