MASSACHUSETTS OFFICIALS OFFERED their own childhood immunization recommendations on Wednesday that depart from recently announced federal vaccine guidelines.
The state is continuing to recommend the pediatric vaccination schedule that’s been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The move deviates from changes in vaccine recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control under the direction of the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
“No matter what happens in Washington, in Massachusetts we make public health decisions based on evidence and what will best protect our children and families,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “Secretary Kennedy’s rollback of long-standing federal vaccine recommendations creates confusion for parents and providers and erodes trust. Our message to families is simple: we will continue to stand behind science and preserve access to the vaccines children need to stay healthy.”
On January 5, HHS reduced the number of vaccines recommended for US children from 17 to 11. The move followed a directive from President Donald Trump, which ordered the agency to “review international best practices from peer, developed countries,” according to HHS. Federal officials have said the change would not affect health insurance coverage of vaccines.
“President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better,” Kennedy said on January 5. “After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the US childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”
The CDC’s list of recommended vaccines for all children includes: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tenants, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal disease, human papillomarivus or HPV and varicella also know as chicken pox. It’s up to parents and doctors to decide whether children should receive COVID-19, influenza and rotavirus vaccines. Another category outlines recommendations for children depending on risk factors and includes vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, and meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B.
A 2025 state law grants the Massachusetts Department of Public Health the authority to set independent vaccine standards, regardless of federal recommendations.
DPH has issued guidance to health care providers and community stakeholders across the state recommending that clinicians use the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule for pediatric vaccination.
The academy’s schedule includes vaccines for: COVID-19; dengue; diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis; haemophilus influenzae type b; hepatitis A and B; human papillomarivus; multiple kinds of flu shots; measles, mumps and rubella; meningococcal ACWY, ABCWY and B; Mpox; pneumococcal conjugate; pneumococcal polysaccharide; polio; RSV; rotavirus; and varicella.
The state’s recommendation also aligns with the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, which was formed last year in response to shifting federal public health changes.
“The science is clear,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and save lives. In Massachusetts, we will continue to lead with integrity, transparency, and an unshakeable commitment to protecting children’s health and well-being.”