Key facts
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public feedback on federal vaccine recommendations.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is soliciting public comments on vaccine recommendations, including their categorization and timing. This review follows an executive order by President Donald Trump aimed at reassessing federal vaccination schedules.
The review of vaccine guidelines by the Trump administration, initiated through an executive order and now seeking public comment, could alter how vaccines are recommended and accessed in the U.S., potentially impacting public health and trust in federal health agencies.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated a request for public feedback on federal vaccine recommendations, including how they are categorized and timed. This action follows an executive order from President Donald Trump that directed federal agencies to review and potentially pare back vaccine recommendations. The HHS notice, published in the Federal Register, seeks comments on the current categories for vaccine recommendations—routine, risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making—and whether additional or different categories should be adopted. Experts like Dorit Reiss and Wendy Parmet have noted that while public input is appropriate, the process being led by HHS, rather than the CDC's advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP), is unusual and raises concerns about the potential exclusion of relevant expertise. There is also apprehension that new categories or altered timing could lead to increased confusion among the public and healthcare providers, potentially resulting in reduced vaccine access. The public has a 30-day window to submit comments, with the deadline set for September 20. The stated goal of the review is to inform considerations regarding scientific rigor, informed choice, and public trust in the vaccine system.
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