Public conversation is shifting after the CDC scaled back its childhood vaccine recommendations.
Here in Michigan, people are wondering what’s changed, what it means for families, and how the state is responding.
Read on for more on what’s happening and how you can continue to promote evidence-based vaccination for kids.
CDC reduces childhood vaccine recommendations, fueling confusion and false claims
What’s happening:
On January 5, the CDC announced major changes to its childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines recommended for all kids.
The new schedule now includes multiple tiers: Some vaccines are recommended for everyone, some only for high-risk groups, and some require a conversation between a family and their health care provider (called shared clinical decision-making).
The changes weren’t based on new evidence or safety data and skipped the usual public comment process.
Michigan will continue recommending the full vaccine schedule backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Online, some praised the CDC’s move and repeated long-debunked claims about vaccine safety. Others supported Michigan’s decision to stick with expert guidance to keep kids protected.
Why this matters:
Conflicting recommendations from federal and state agencies create confusion—and open the door to false claims. But in Michigan, nothing has changed: The state continues to follow evidence-based guidance from trusted medical experts. It’s a key moment to remind families that Michigan’s recommendations still prioritize full protection for all kids.
What to say:
The CDC’s changes are not based on new safety data. Vaccines recommended in Michigan continue to be thoroughly tested, widely used, and trusted by pediatricians and public health experts.
In the U.S., the previous childhood schedule was carefully designed to protect kids at the right time. Other countries may recommend different vaccines based on their own disease risks and health systems.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to follow the schedule recommended by trusted experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians—including immunizations for RSV and meningitis.
Skipping or delaying vaccines can put kids at risk for serious illness or even death.
Most vaccines are still covered by insurance and government programs in Michigan.
Your child’s doctor is the best resource for questions about what vaccines are recommended and when.
Share this in response
Suggested caption:
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the American Academy of Pediatrics still recommend that all kids get certain vaccines at specific ages—when they work best to provide protection. Even with changes to federal guidelines, parents can still follow the AAP’s schedule, and most vaccines are still covered by insurance. Talk to your health care provider to ensure that your kids have the protection they need.
Visit the Download Center for our full library of vaccine resources. Find content that promotes the vaccines impacted by the CDC’s change—especially important as flu cases surge in Michigan.
