Statement from Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer, March of Dimes
Routine childhood immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases is one of the most effective public health tools we have. Vaccines prevent illness, disability, and death, save lives across the lifespan, and have resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare cost savings in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long cited vaccination as one of the greatest public health achievements of the past century. In particular, routine childhood immunizations have led to dramatic reductions in disease burden nationwide, lowering the incidence of illnesses such as hepatitis B and rotavirus by nearly 90% and preventing an estimated 24 million cases of illness each year.
Historically, the recommended immunization schedule for children in the U.S. has been developed through a rigorous, transparent, and science-driven process. This process includes open meetings, expert testimony, and opportunities for public input to ensure recommendations reflect the best available evidence and protect all children. Yesterday’s announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seems to depart from this established approach and endorses recommendations that do not fully reflect the scientific consensus for what is needed to safeguard the health of infants, children, and adolescents.
As noted in the scientific assessment shared by HHS, it’s not often possible to predict who has relevant risk factors or who is at risk of exposure to infectious diseases, which is why universal immunization recommendations exist. As an example, longstanding guidance from the CDC and professional medical organizations have recommended annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older. During the most recent 2024-25 influenza season, 280 children in the United States died from influenza — the highest number in more than a decade. Nine out of 10 of these children were unvaccinated, and nearly half had no underlying medical conditions. The removal of a universal recommendation for seasonal influenza vaccination for children risks an increase in preventable illness and poor outcomes, including death.
Immunization policy in the U.S. has always been grounded in shared decision making. Families rely on the guidance of public health and clinical professionals, who in turn rely on recommendations developed through transparent processes informed by evidence and scientific expertise. Actions that sidestep public input and expert consensus risk creating confusion and undermining trust at a time when clarity and confidence in public health guidance are essential.
March of Dimes stands by the vaccine recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and continues to support a transparent, science-driven process for immunization policy — one that keeps all children and families safe and healthy.
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