On December 6, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum aimed at aligning the United States’ childhood vaccine recommendations with best practices from similarly developed countries. The memorandum directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the CDC Director to assess international vaccination practices and the scientific evidence supporting them. If these practices are determined to be more effective than current U.S. recommendations, the officials will update the U.S. vaccine schedule accordingly, while ensuring continued access to existing vaccines in the country.

Currently, the U.S. recommends vaccinations for children against 18 diseases, which is a significantly higher number compared to peer nations like Denmark, Japan, and Germany, recommending vaccinations for 10, 14, and 15 diseases, respectively. Additionally, differences in vaccination timing exist, with the U.S. advising yearly influenza vaccinations for children starting at six months, a recommendation not universally adopted by other countries. The memorandum is part of a broader strategy by the Trump Administration, which includes the establishment of the President’s MAHA Commission to investigate childhood health issues and chronic diseases affecting American children.

The MAHA Commission has prioritized developing a vaccine framework to ensure the U.S. maintains an effective childhood vaccine schedule. In previous initiatives, the current administration updated recommendations concerning the COVID-19 vaccine, emphasizing personalized medical advice between clinicians and patients rather than a blanket recommendation for all children. The ongoing assessment and potential adjustment of vaccination schedules seeks to improve public health outcomes for American children as part of a comprehensive effort to address childhood chronic diseases.

Original: article