Federal Changes to Childhood Vaccine Recommendations and California Guidance January 6, 2026 Hot Topics Yesterday, federal health officials announced immediate changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of diseases for which vaccines are routinely recommended for all children from 17 to 11. Under the revised federal schedule, several vaccines—including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, RSV, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and COVID-19—are now recommended only for certain high-risk children or after consultation with a health care provider, rather than universally. The changes were issued without the traditional evidence-based review process conducted by independent federal vaccine advisory committees and have drawn strong concern from public health and pediatric experts nationwide. It is important to note that vaccination mandates and coverage policies are determined at the state level. In California, evidence-based vaccine guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) remains in effect. As a reminder, CDPH released updated guidance in September 2025 to ensure Californians are protected against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV during the respiratory virus season. This guidance is supported by state law (AB 144), which guarantees access to CDPH-recommended vaccines and screenings and requires coverage by most commercial insurers and Medi-Cal managed care plans. Key California vaccine recommendations for 2025–26 include: • COVID-19: Recommended for children 6–23 months; children 2–18 with risk factors or who have never been vaccinated; adults 65+; adults under 65 with risk factors; pregnant and postpartum individuals; and anyone choosing protection. • Influenza: Recommended for all individuals 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on young children, older adults, and those with medical risk factors. • RSV: Recommended for infants under 8 months; children 8–19 months with risk factors; pregnant people at 32–36 weeks gestation; adults 75+; and adults 50–74 with risk factors. Physicians are encouraged to continue relying on CDPH’s evidence-based recommendations, available here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/public-health-for-all/publichealthforall.aspx Vaccines recommended by CDPH must be covered under AB 144 by most commercial plans and Medi-Cal managed care plans, though coverage may vary for Medicare Advantage or specialized plans. Vaccines remain available through medical practices, pharmacies, and MyTurn.ca.gov. ACCMA will continue to monitor developments at the federal and state levels and provide timely updates to support your practice and your patients as this situation evolves.