We Asked 100+ Moms About the New Childhood Vaccine Schedule—Here’s What They *Really* Think

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Editor’s Note: This information is not intended to replace professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.

What the executive order says about the childhood vaccine schedule

On August 10, 2026, the current administration under President Donald Trump issued an executive order that established a new framework for childhood vaccine recommendations. The reasoning for the changes? According to the order, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., “found that the United States currently recommends more childhood vaccines than any peer nation, including more than twice as many vaccine doses as some European nations.”

With the new guidelines, the number of vaccines that are routinely recommended for all children has gone from 18 down to 11. The seven vaccines that are no longer ‘routine’ are now in a ‘shared clinical decision-making’ category, meaning that it’s expected that caregivers and a child’s health care provider work together to discuss the benefits and risks of a vaccine before administering it.

Vaccines still recommended for all children

• Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP; Tdap)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) — given separately
• Varicella (VAR)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups

• Hepatitis A (HepA)
• Hepatitis B (HepB)
• Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY)
• Meningococcal B (MenB)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV-mAb)
• Dengue

Vaccines given based on ‘shared clinical decision making’

The following vaccines are not considered routine immunizations and should be discussed with your child’s healthcare provider before making a decision:

• Rotavirus (RV)
• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Hepatitis A (HepA)
• Hepatitis B (HepB)
• Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY)
• Meningococcal B (MenB)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV-mAb)

What parents have to say about the new immunization schedule

The Everymom surveyed 175 parents on their thoughts about the executive order and the new childhood vaccine schedule. And their reactions? 60 percent of parents noted that they’re concerned about the recent change. 85 percent noted that they’ll be sticking with the old vaccine schedule for their kids. Eight percent stated they’ll be following the new schedule, and seven percent are unsure which schedule to follow.

Caregivers shared their concerns and how they’re navigating the new recommendations, too:

Parents whose kids have a difficult time with receiving immunizations

“Shots are already difficult with my oldest being on the spectrum. Having an easy and concise experience is essential for him. A new schedule and additional shots are going to be extremely difficult.”

Parents who are following their pediatrician’s recommendations

“[At] every appointment, I ask the pediatrician which guidelines they are following. If they don’t follow the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], then I will be finding a new pediatrician (so far, so good).”

“I am following the old schedule unless my doctor tells me differently (and only if the doctor has a legitimate medical reason and not just this federal change).”

“I’m making sure my kids are fully vaccinated per the old recommendation to ensure we keep our cousins who are immunocompromised safe. We are doing our part.”

Parents who are following the new vaccine schedule

“I’ve always felt like I had [a] choice in vaccines. When I had my first baby, we split the vaccines into two separate [appointments]. I had one child that had [an] adverse reaction to the MMR vaccine (fever off/on for two weeks), so I like the idea of not overloading a baby with vaccines, but I still think there is safety and value in them.”

“You can both appreciate vaccines and desire the freedom to make the best choices for your own children.”

“I think it’s a gentler way to introduce these injections into our brand-new babies’ bodies. I am in no way anti-vax. However, I do think it’s better to spread them out and not make it mandatory to get vaccines that aren’t absolutely necessary.”

Parents on medical misinformation

“After consulting with our wonderful pediatrician, I had my 2.5-year-old receive his final MMR dose over a year and a half early to ensure he was fully protected (there was a case of measles in our town). I’m very concerned that this new schedule is further stoking the fires of anti-vax rhetoric and playing into people’s fears.”

“Following guidance from the AAP and my pediatrician, not politicians without any trained medical experience or expertise.”

“I’m ignoring [the new schedule] completely. It’s not based on science.”

“Following the guidance of professionals [who] attended medical school and are following the science.”

“I will continue to follow the guidance of my pediatrician, as she understands medicine; RFK Jr. does not.”

“This is insane. I am following actual medical professionals’ decades of research and recommendations that have actual evidence.”

“The old vaccine schedule was created and vetted by real scientists who were largely apolitical. They let the science do the talking, and that is what we believe is best for our son. Vaccine recommendations backed by real scientists.”

“I’ll continue to follow the recommendations of pediatric and medical associations, but I’m concerned about how it undermines the importance of these vaccines and may dissuade parents and caregivers from choosing to administer these vaccines.”

“I’m ignoring this [new] advice. The old schedule wasn’t broken; it was working. What has happened with the measles vaccine clearly shows the harm in delaying or not vaccinating children.”

“I wish parents would trust the AAP and qualified doctors. All of this unnecessary fear-mongering is resulting in very real problems. Diseases that were once close to eradication in this country are back, and I’m afraid it’s only going to get worse.”

Parents who are concerned about how this will affect costs and insurance

“I hope people understand this could impact insurance coverage of vaccinations and government funding.”

“Any added administrative burden or cost will be worth it to protect my daughter. I also know that I’m blessed to have the flexibility and freedom to be able to make those accommodations. I am genuinely sad for those who do not have the economic opportunity and flexibility to navigate this for their children.”

What board-certified doctors want parents to know

One parent shared, “[conflicting information] puts such a burden on parents to do research and figure out things we aren’t equipped to understand, [and] I WANT to trust the system,” and stated, “I can’t navigate this on my own.” So, what are experts *actually* advising?

Pediatrician Dr. Krupa Playforth, along with Pediatrician in Chief Dr. Shefali Mahesh and Chief Quality Officer and Pediatric Intensivist Dr. Michael Bigham of Akron Children’s, has some expert info and advice when it comes to addressing parents’ concerns. Here’s what board-certified physicians want parents to know.

“[Conflicting information] puts such a burden on parents to do research and figure out things we aren’t equipped to understand, [and] I WANT to trust the system.”

Lack of supporting evidence supports misinformation

Dr. Playforth says that misinformation and a lack of supporting evidence for vaccine guidelines make shifting vaccines away from routine recommendations “seem like those diseases may not cause harm” or “that the vaccine doesn’t work or is harmful.” However, that is not the case. And according to Dr. Bigham, “There are no new studies to support changing the current vaccine schedule.”

While the number of vaccines has decreased, there’s one vaccine in particular that families are noting. The executive order states that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—which is currently administered as one injection—should be given as separate doses, which means separate doctor’s visits for each.

Dr. Bigham adds that the current combined MMR vaccine is “safe, effective, and widely studied.” Separating the MMR vaccine would mean more shots and more doctor’s appointments. As of right now, the option to give the vaccines separately isn’t even available in the United States. Delaying shots could lessen the vaccine’s effectiveness before someone completes the full vaccine course, so experts discourage delaying them.

How the executive order affects children considered ‘high-risk’

Dr. Mahesh shares that infants, the immunocompromised, and kids who have chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to infection. And in turn, they’re more likely to experience a severe form of a disease. She adds, “When vaccine-preventable outbreaks occur in communities, so does their potential exposure and risk.” Dr. Mahesh iterates, “This is why vaccination coverage is especially important to protect our most vulnerable [populations].”

Doctors are unsure how it will affect school or daycare requirements

And if you’re wondering if the new recommendations will affect vaccine requirements for schools and daycares, Dr. Playforth and Dr. Mahesh say it’s hard to tell. States usually determine these types of requirements rather than the federal government. With that said, these executive orders don’t automatically change what a school or daycare might require for childhood vaccines.

What to do if your child has already followed the existing schedule

Dr. Playforth advises that if a child is already up to date per the current AAP Immunization Schedule, then they don’t need to do anything differently.

The risks of delaying or skipping vaccines

One parent commented, “I wish pediatricians would be more patient about having a conversation around vaccine risks and rewards.”

Dr. Playforth recognizes that parents may feel that they’re being dismissed and unheard when discussing childhood vaccines. What about alternate schedules and spacing immunizations out? She adds that there is no medical intervention that is without some type of risk. “When it comes to vaccines, the balance continues to strongly favor vaccination according to the current schedule,” says Dr. Playforth. If alternative schedules are decided, she wants parents to know that they can create longer periods of susceptibility to illness, and spacing vaccines into separate visits can also create logistical burdens for families (taking time off work, requiring additional transportation, and weighing more heavily on the mental load of mothers).

Should parents follow the old or new vaccine schedule?

Dr. Bigham notes that it’s important to work with your trusted physician who knows your child best. “They can explain any changes made to the vaccine schedule, explain [whether] they are relevant for your child, and make sure your child stays up to date on recommended vaccines.” 

With that said, Dr. Playforth adds that most pediatricians are recommending that families follow the 2026 AAP immunization schedule, which is “based on the most up-to-date evidence on effectiveness, safety, and minimizing risk of severe illness.”

What parents should do when they hear conflicting information

National Survey data from Akron Children’s, a leading children’s hospital in Ohio, reported that one in five caregivers report delaying health care decisions because of conflicting medical information. More than one in four say they regret a decision they ultimately made. Akron Children’s says that “conflicting health information doesn’t just leave parents frustrated. It can lead them to second-guess, delay, or reconsider health care decisions for their children.”

Both Dr. Playforth and Dr. Mahesh understand that parents are facing unprecedented amounts of conflicting health information. I agree with Dr. Playforth when she says, “I think this is such a hard time to be a parent.” In the modern world of parenting, parents are in a world of information overwhelm, and contradictory messaging from our government, social media, and communities. She acknowledges, “[It] can make decisions around how to keep our children safe and healthy feel insurmountable.”

So, when parents hear conflicting information, Dr. Mahesh has some advice: ask questions, review reliable information (the source has qualifications and experience to back their recommendations), trust your instincts, and have an open, candid discussion with your child’s pediatrician. How are you navigating the new childhood vaccine recommendations?