STATEMENT: Maine Public Health Association Condemns Changes to Childhood Immunization Schedule

January 5, 2026

STATEMENT: Health Community Urges The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Reconsider Overhaul of Childhood Immunization Schedule

AUGUSTA – This afternoon, the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Jim O’Neill, in his role as Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signed a memorandum that directs HHS and the CDC to review and revise the U.S. childhood immunization schedule. The action follows a directive from President Trump to “review international best practices” on vaccination, and consider aligning the U.S. childhood immunization schedule more closely with vaccine recommendations used in other developed countries. The memorandum signals a sharp change from decades of scientific practice and undermines the CDC’s traditional expert-driven advisory process. 

The Maine Medical Association is joined by Maine Academy of Family Physicians, Maine Academy of Physician Associates, Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Maine Osteopathic Association, and Maine Public Health Association in urging the public to continue listening to their clinicians about the importance of vaccinations.

“We cannot compromise on science and proven prevention,” said Maine Medical Association President James Jarvis, MD. “What works to protect a small, very highly vaccinated population in other countries cannot be extrapolated for a very large, heterogeneous, and much more diverse population like the U.S. Furthermore, the higher rate of individuals who are underinsured or lack access to primary care in the U.S. compared to peer nations, increases the number of at-risk individuals.  Healthcare policy should focus on the protection of all children.” 

“Dismantling decades of evidence-based vaccine policy on the basis of political directives and international snapshot comparisons jeopardizes the health of our children and our communities,” stated Kathleen Moneghan, DHA, MPAS, PA-C, President, Maine Academy of Physician Associates. 

“Public trust in vaccination hinges on transparency and clear communication. Sudden shifts like this will only deepen confusion among parents and clinicians alike, at a time when declining coverage is causing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases at levels we haven’t seen in decades,” stated Laura Faherty, MD, MPH, MSHP, Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

"Changing the U.S. childhood immunization schedule to align with other developed countries is like fitting a square peg into a round hole,” said Rebecca Boulos, Executive Director of Maine Public Health Association. “These other ‘comparison’ countries have completely different populations, infectious disease risks, and healthcare systems – including that they offer universal healthcare. We have a different vaccination schedule because we have different needs."

Maine Medical Association President, James Jarvis, MD, concluded with, “We urge the U.S. CDC to return to its mission of promoting sound science that protects the health of all Americans. If it does not, we will work to understand the implications of the new recommendations to ensure our patients receive the protection they need.” 

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