U.S. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) did not hold its scheduled March or June meetings this year.

David Freedman, Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, noted the deviation from standard procedure. "That was not done this year," he said.

In the absence of new ACIP recommendations, several major medical organizations have stepped in to provide direction for the upcoming season. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have issued guidance on fall respiratory virus vaccines.

Flor Munoz, a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, explained how clinicians are approaching the current situation. "Physicians are generally going by [vaccine] guidance available before June 2025," she said.

The CDC reverted its vaccination schedules to those in place before June 2025. This reversion follows personnel and policy changes initiated in the previous year. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced members of the ACIP in June 2025.

Federal actions have further complicated the regulatory environment for immunizations. President Trump issued an executive order recommending a reduction in the number of universally recommended childhood vaccines, including splitting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into separate components. The order also downgraded COVID-19 and flu shots for children to shared decision-making. The Aan executive order cannot change ACIP recommendations or CDC schedules.

Munoz expressed worry about the impact of these mixed signals on public health behavior. "A concern that is real is, because of this confusion, people might not come and get their vaccines," she said. She added that the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program should not be affected by recent policy changes.

While guidance structures shift, vaccine development and approval processes have continued. The FDA issued recommendations for influenza vaccine composition in March. Additionally, the FDA approved Moderna's mRNA flu shot, mFlusiva, earlier this month.

Moderna stated that its mFlusiva vaccine is approved for adults aged 50 and older. The company also stated that its mFlusiva vaccine should be available for the 2026-2027 season. Insurers have pledged to cover all recommended vaccines without cost-sharing through the end of 2027.

Why It Matters

The cancellation of ACIP meetings disrupts the established mechanism for updating national vaccine recommendations. The committee typically provides written recommendations for routine administration of vaccines to pediatric and adult populations. Without these updates, healthcare providers must rely on older guidance or statements from professional societies.

The divergence between executive orders, court rulings, and agency schedules creates uncertainty for patients and providers. Confusion over which guidelines to follow may affect vaccination rates. Medical leaders emphasize that executive actions do not alter the scientific recommendations produced by the CDC or its advisory committees. The stability of the Vaccines for Children program remains a critical factor in ensuring access despite policy fluctuations.

Timeline

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced members of the ACIP in June 2025. On March 16, 2026, a notice informed the public that pursuant to the preliminary order issued on March 16, 2026, in American Academy of Pediatrics et al. v. Kennedy et al. No. 1:25-cv-11916 (D. Mass.), the ACIP meeting previously scheduled for March 18-19, 2026, has been stayed until further notice.

What's New

President Trump issued an executive order recommending splitting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into separate components.