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Story summary
- In 2026, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. changed the childhood immunization schedule to prioritize "shared clinical decision-making" over universal vaccine recommendations.
- This new approach, supported by NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and US surgeon general nominee Casey Means, encourages parental involvement in vaccination choices.
- Public health experts, including epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo, argue that this shift undermines vaccine safety and creates uncertainty.
- The CDC previously allowed parental discretion for Covid-19 vaccinations in children aged 6 months to 17 years.
