Trump's Vaccine Makeover: Fewer Shots, More Trust, Same Measles Risks

KEY POINTS

•On December 22, 2025, the Trump administration drastically reduced the federal childhood vaccine schedule to 11 shots, down over one-third from prior years.
•The CDC advises parents to consult physicians before vaccinating against rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal, hepatitis A and B, signaling less firm recommendations for these diseases.
•Officials confirmed continued vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and other core illnesses, while cutting HPV from two doses down to one, aiming to increase vaccine uptake and trust.

On Monday, the Trump administration performed a federal vaccine prune, slashing childhood shots down to 11, a brutal cut of over a third since Trump's second innings began — because who needs too many vaccines when you've got peer pressure from 'developed countries'? The CDC now politely asks parents to debate with their doctors about vaccinating for rotavirus, COVID-19, and other fun party diseases, while holding firm on classics like measles and mumps. New highlight: HPV vaccines dropped from two doses to just one, like a streaming service dropping your favorite show’s finale. Senior health officials optimistically hope this risky gamble will boost vaccine trust, because what could go wrong?