Trump Orders Fast-Track Review of US Childhood Vaccine Schedule, Backs CDC Move on Hepatitis B Shot

US President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping, accelerated review of America’s childhood vaccination schedule, arguing that the current number of recommended shots is excessive and should be reassessed. The directive, issued through a Presidential Memorandum, tasks the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with comparing US vaccination guidelines with those used internationally and recommending changes “rooted in science and common sense.”

Trump revealed the move on Truth Social shortly after praising a controversial CDC advisory committee decision to withdraw its universal recommendation for administering Hepatitis B vaccines to newborns. Calling the committee’s vote a “very good decision,” Trump argued that most infants face “no risk” of Hepatitis B, which he described as primarily spread through sexual contact or contaminated needles.

The President reiterated long-standing criticisms of the US childhood immunisation schedule, which he claimed includes 72 recommended shots—far higher, he said, than in any other country. “It is ridiculous,” Trump wrote, adding that “many parents and scientists” have questioned the necessity and efficacy of the schedule.

Trump said he expects the review to be completed swiftly under newly appointed HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling it an overdue reform aimed at restoring trust in federal health guidance.

CDC Panel Votes to End Universal Hepatitis B Shot for Newborns

The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, recently restructured under Kennedy’s leadership, has voted to end the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Instead, only infants born to mothers who test positive—or whose status is unknown—would automatically receive the first dose. Others may begin vaccination at two months if parents opt to delay.

The decision has triggered strong pushback from paediatric groups, state health officials and medical associations, who argue the birth dose has been critical in preventing severe liver disease and curbing national infection rates. Many healthcare providers say they will continue recommending and covering the vaccine despite the panel’s shift.

The debate underscores deepening tensions between federal public health bodies and the broader medical community as the Trump administration continues to reshape national vaccine policy.