You Asked: Do CDC Vaccine Changes Affect Maine Children?
You asked:
“With so much information circulating about childhood vaccines and recent CDC changes, I’m unsure what applies to my family. What vaccines are still recommended for children in Maine, and have school requirements changed?”
In January 2026, the U.S. CDC updated its routine vaccination recommendations for children, which now emphasize a reduced schedule of 11 essential vaccines, focusing on diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, pneumococcal, polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), and one dose of HPV, rather than two.
Other key changes:
Hepatitis A/B, Rotavirus, Meningococcal, and Influenza: shifted from routine to high-risk or shared-decision recommendations:
RSV Protection: The AAP recommends monoclonal antibody products (nirsevimab or clesrovimab) for infants.
COVID-19 Vaccine: The 2025–2026 formula is recommended for ages 6 months and older based on shared clinical decision-making.
Despite CDC changes, states typically still require DTaP, MMR, Polio, and Varicella for school entry.
The new U.S. childhood vaccination recommendations, championed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. under a directive from President Donald Trump, are aimed at reducing the number of childhood immunizations, mimicking Denmark's, which is viewed by the current administration as a model of a more selective vaccine approach. The shift has been countered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other professional medical associations, who argue that the U.S. population faces different health risks and higher disease burdens than Denmark.
While the U.S. CDC reduced its list of universally recommended vaccines, the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026, Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule continues to recommend routine vaccines that protect children and teens from 18 serious, preventable diseases. Twenty-three states, including Maine, and at least 12 major medical associations* endorse the AAP schedule over the new CDC vaccination schedule, citing long-standing safety data and public health benefits:
Another point local clinicians would make is that everything they do IS “shared decision making.” That’s not a new development.
“The decision to change the childhood immunization schedule was a departure from a well-established, evidence-based process that has saved lives and avoided unnecessary illnesses ( and cancers!),” said Mike Murnik, MD, VP Chief Medical Officer/Senior Physician Executive, Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital. “The U.S. is not Denmark in a lot of ways. The schedule we’ve pledged to follow ( the AAP schedule) is designed for our people, in our State, in our country.”
Core Vaccine Schedule Recommendations for All Maine Children
In January 2026, Maine CDC reaffirmed that its recommendations remain unchanged and continue to support protection against these 18 diseases for all Maine children. Maine health officials and pediatricians continue to follow the AAP 2026 Schedule, which includes routine vaccination for:
Infancy (Birth to 15 months): Hepatitis B (starting within 24 hours of birth), Rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV15/20, Polio, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis A.
Early Childhood (4–6 years): Boosters for DTaP, Polio, MMR, and Varicella.
Adolescence (11–12 years): Tdap, Meningococcal (MenACWY), and HPV (now often recommended to start as early as age 9).
Annual/Seasonal: Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 (recommended for all children 6 months and older).
Maine families can access these vaccines at no cost through the Maine Immunization Program, regardless of insurance status. To view the complete 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026, Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule visit: https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf
Maine School Requirements
Regardless of the new federal guidance, Maine's legal requirements for attending school, daycare, or camps have not changed. To enroll, students must show proof of:
DTaP/Tdap: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis.
MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
Polio.
Varicella: Chickenpox.
Meningococcal: Typically required for 7th and 12th graders.
Vaccines remain available at no cost to eligible children through the Maine Immunization Program.
*In addition to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the following major medical associations endorse the AAP schedule over the new CDC vaccination schedule, citing long-standing safety data and public health benefits:
Have a Public Health Question? We’re Here to Help.
In a time when misinformation spreads quickly, getting reliable health information matters more than ever. As your local community health organization, Healthy Acadia is here to help you find trustworthy answers.
If you have questions about routine health screenings, such as how to protect yourself and your family from severe respiratory illness, vaccines, or any other current health concerns, we invite you to send them our way. We'll do our best to reply to every question and offer evidence-based, up-to-date guidance, along with links to vetted health resources.
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