RFK Jr. asks for public input on reshaping U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking public comments on how the federal government classifies and communicates childhood vaccine recommendations.

The request follows President Donald Trump’s August 10 executive order calling for a reduction in routine childhood vaccine recommendations from 18 to 11 diseases and urging that the combined MMR shot eventually be split into separate measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.

The Department of Health and Human Services is considering additional categories, including vaccines recommended outside infancy or with qualifications, while also asking about vaccination timing, age windows and separate medical visits.

Officials are specifically seeking feedback on shared clinical decision-making, including concerns that it could confuse parents and doctors, reduce vaccination rates and increase clinicians’ workload.

Parents, physicians and others have until September 20 to submit comments. The request itself does not immediately change the vaccine schedule.

The administration’s proposal has drawn criticism because major medical and public-health organizations say the changes could undermine confidence and childhood immunization coverage; the federal order is guidance, while school-entry requirements remain largely controlled by states.