What do changed CDC vaccine recommendations mean for California schedules?
Recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have led to some confusion and lack of clarity on vaccines for children. The federal public health organization released updated recommendations for childhood vaccines on Jan. 5, following a December memorandum from President Donald Trump.
After the Robert F. Kennedy Jr.-led CDC released updated guidance for childhood immunizations, some states — including California — have clarified their stances on vaccine recommendations.
Now, California and 14 other states are suing the CDC, calling the recommendations a departure from standard medical advice that ignored federal laws.
“Undermining confidence in vaccines will lead to lower vaccination rates and more infectious disease. It will also drive up costs for states, including increased Medicaid spending and new expenses to combat misinformation and revise public health guidance,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. “Public health decisions must remain grounded in truth and facts.”
Here’s what to know about the guidelines and what California parents need to know.
What did the CDC change about vaccine recommendations?
The CDC reclassified a number of vaccines previously recommended for all children.
Vaccines for four diseases — Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; meningitis groups A, C, W, Y and B; and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — were changed from being recommended for all children to suggested for “certain high-risk groups or populations.”
Parents and guardians are now encouraged to discuss two additional vaccines — for influenza and rotavirus — with their child’s physician before agreeing to administer them, in a process known as “shared clinical decision-making.”
According to a decision memo, the new schedule reportedly sought to align with the policies of other wealthy countries like Japan, Germany and particularly Denmark.
Danish health experts pushed back against the notion that the U.S. should adopt Denmark’s shorter vaccine schedule, pointing out key differences between the countries’ disease incidence rates, population diversity and health care availability, according to an article by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
How do CDC guidelines affect California vaccination schedules?
According to the California Department of Public Health, there is no immediate effect on vaccine availability expected.
California is part of the West Coast Health Alliance, a coordinated effort between California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington to inform childhood immunization recommendations based on health groups other than the CDC.
California Health and Human Services leaders released a joint statement Friday, Jan. 9.
They said the West Coast Health Alliance aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ childhood vaccine schedule. The academy’s schedule widely recommends seven additional vaccines the CDC’s new schedule does not suggest for all children. These include:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- RSV
- Rotavirus
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Influenza
- COVID-19
The statement also said the full list of vaccines “will continue to be covered by health plans and insurers regulated by the State of California.”
“The (American Academy of Pediatrics’) guidance is grounded in decades of rigorous research and clinical experience, ensuring vaccines remain one of the most effective tools to prevent disease outbreaks and safeguard children’s health,” California health leaders said in a statement. “California is committed to reviewing available vaccine science and following credible, independent medical guidance ensuring that every resident has access to safe, effective immunizations that save lives—and keep Californians healthy and strong.”
On Monday, Jan. 5, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement denouncing the federal government’s new vaccine recommendations.
“This reckless move by the Trump administration has nothing to do with science or informed choice — it’s about appeasing a debunked anti-vaccine agenda being pushed by RFK Jr. and his allies,” the statement said. “Undermining the prior CDC’s childhood vaccine schedule flies in the face of decades of medical expertise and puts ideology over evidence.
“I strongly condemn this decision that puts infants and children at real risk.”
In December, a Sacramento County child died from flu-related complications. It was unclear whether the child had received a seasonal flu vaccine, but data from the CDC indicated nearly 90% of pediatric flu deaths in the record-breaking 2024-2025 season were among children who were not fully vaccinated.
Which vaccines does my child need to get before starting school in California?
According to CDPH, children are required to be fully vaccinated for five diseases before entering K-12 schools in California. As of June 2025, full vaccination for school entrance prior to seventh grade includes these immunizations:
- Four doses of polio vaccine
- Five doses of diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
- Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine
- Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Two doses of varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine
Children entering seventh grade must also receive at least one additional dose of the tetanus, diptheria and acellular pertussis vaccine, known as Tdap after age 7. The requirements also apply to students transferring into the California K-12 system, according to CDPH.
Students who provide documentation of having received all required vaccines or a permanent medical exemption from a licensed physician are “unconditionally admitted” to California schools.
Without proper vaccine documentation or a permanent medical exemption, students may be “conditionally admitted.” Parents or guardians must regularly provide proof that their child is in the process of receiving required vaccines, or a permanent medical exemption, to avoid exclusion from school.
Information and frequently asked questions on immunizations for school admission are available on the CDPH website at ShotsForSchool.org.
This story was originally published February 24, 2026 at 2:46 PM with the headline "What do changed CDC vaccine recommendations mean for California schedules?."
