Full Breakdown
ACOG Issues Independent Maternal Vaccine Guidance, Diverging from CDC Recommendations
6/12/2026, 3:54:50 AM
Core Event
On June 10, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) released a maternal immunization schedule recommending COVID-19, influenza, Tdap, RSV, pertussis, and diphtheria vaccines for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals. This marks the first formal departure from CDC guidance on vaccine recommendations for this population.
Background & Context
In 2023, the CDC, following HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., dropped its COVID-19 and influenza vaccine recommendation for pregnant patients, citing alignment with President Donald Trump’s “make America healthy again” pledge. ACOG President Dr. Camille Clare introduced the new schedule as a response.
Data & Recommendations
ACOG’s schedule advises COVID-19, influenza, Tdap, RSV, pertussis, and diphtheria vaccines for pregnant and postpartum patients. The CDC currently recommends only Tdap and RSV for pregnant individuals. Thirteen societies—including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, National Medical Association, and American College of Nurse-Midwives—endorse ACOG’s broader schedule.
Official Statements & Responses
ACOG’s release stressed the need for evidence-based information and warned that shifting recommendations create confusion for clinicians and patients. The CDC reiterated its guidance limited to Tdap and RSV for pregnant women. HHS Secretary Kennedy described the CDC revision as consistent with the administration’s health agenda.
Criticism & Opposition
ACOG warned that rapid policy shifts and pervasive vaccine misinformation sow confusion among patients and providers. Pediatric and family-medicine leaders, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, have criticized the CDC’s narrowed schedule as inadequate for protecting maternal and newborn health.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The agencies disagree on whether COVID-19 and influenza vaccines should be given during pregnancy, creating a direct conflict in clinical guidance. Sources lack data on vaccine uptake, safety outcomes, or comparative effectiveness, and ACOG’s full 2026 schedule details remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Changing national recommendations coupled with rampant vaccine misinformation are resulting in confusion for both patients and health care professionals,” — Dr. Camille Clare, ACOG President
- “It is incredibly important for the public to have access to reliable, evidence-based information on maternal immunizations from a trusted source.” — Dr. Camille Clare, ACOG President
- “Babies are among the most vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Their immune systems are still developing, and in those first months of life, they rely on us—the adults around them—to help keep them safe,” — Dr. Andrew Racine, American Academy of Pediatrics President
- “Maternal immunization is one of the most effective ways we can protect both pregnant patients and babies during some of the most vulnerable stages of life,” — Dr. Margot Savoy, Chief Medical Officer, American Academy of Family Physicians
