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The national immunization landscape is shifting in dangerous ways. Recent unilateral changes by the federal administration—bypassing long‑standing policies, procedures, and scientific review—have altered the Childhood Immunization Schedule in ways that are already creating confusion and concern across the country. 

Under these changes, the CDC will now routinely recommend vaccines for 11 diseases instead of 17. Five vaccines that were previously recommended for all children have either been limited to high‑risk groups or moved into “shared clinical decision‑making.” This represents a fundamental shift away from population‑level prevention toward individualized risk assessment. 

Nationally, these changes affect: how families are guided, how providers counsel patients, and how parents make decisions for their children. The result is a growing risk of declining childhood immunization rates, increased misinformation, and uncertainty for families trying to do the right thing. 

Amid these political shifts, the Washington State Immunization Summit provides a trusted space for experts and providers to come together, strengthen collective knowledge, and lead with clarity. 

Washington State: Stability Amid Uncertainty 

Here in Washington, our approach remains firmly rooted in science and public health best practices. 

At this time: 

• The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to maintain immunization recommendations grounded in evidence. 

• In alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there have been no changes to the childhood immunization schedule. 

• There are no changes to insurance coverage for vaccines through 2026. 

• There are no changes to school vaccine requirements. 

At the same time, Washington is navigating the implications of federal misalignment. The Washington State Department of Health is working to preserve the state’s authority and flexibility to make evidence-based vaccine recommendations and purchases, by expanding their ability to consider multiple expert sources, not just the federal CDC/ACIP through House Bill 2242 / Senate Bill 5967. This effort is intended to ensure that Washington can continue making immunization decisions based on science and public health expertise at the state level, while respecting choice. Families should be able to choose preventative services, including vaccination, without barriers.  

Even with these safeguards, providers and public health leaders are already anticipating increased vaccine hesitancy, higher information burden, and growing mistrust driven by conflicting messages. Long‑term questions about insurance coverage beyond 2026 underscore the need for coordinated planning and communication. 

Why the Washington State Immunization Summit Matters Now 

In moments of disruption, alignment matters more than ever. The Summit bridges the gap between policy and practice. It brings Washington’s immunization community together to align on guidance, strengthen communication strategies, and support providers navigating increasingly complex conversations with families. 

The Washington State Immunization Summit comes at a critical time for the field. Providers, public health professionals, policymakers, and partners need shared language, consistent messaging, and clarity amid rapid national change.  

The Summit offers: 

• Direct access to guidance from subject‑matter experts and state leaders 

• A platform to reaffirm evidence‑based practices 

• Practical tools and talking points to support families and communities 

• Opportunities to strengthen cross‑sector collaboration 

• Space to celebrate progress, reconnect with purpose, and recharge for the work ahead 

As misinformation grows louder and trust becomes harder to maintain, coming together—grounded in science and shared commitment—has never been more important. 

The Summit isn’t just timely. It’s essential.  

Join Us at the Washington State Immunization Summit 

Now is the time to come together as a field. 

The Washington State Immunization Summit is your opportunity to connect with state and local leaders, hear directly from experts, and leave equipped with clear, evidence-based guidance to support families, respond to questions with confidence, and navigate uncertainty with alignment. 

Whether you are a provider, public health professional, policymaker, or community partner, your voice and leadership matter in this moment. 

Register today and be part of shaping a clear, science-driven path forward for immunization in Washington. 

 

Sources

American Academy of Pediatrics. “AAP immunization schedule.” Red Book Online. https://publications.aap.org/redbook/resources/15585/AAP-Immunization-Schedule

American Academy of Pediatrics. “AAP, CDC plan to remove universal childhood vaccine recommendations.” AAP News. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/34104/AAP-CDC-plan-to-remove-universal-childhood-vaccine

American Academy of Pediatrics. “Recommended immunization schedules.” HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Recommended-Immunization-Schedules.aspx

KFF. “The new federal vaccine schedule: What changed.” https://www.kff.org/other-health/the-new-federal-vaccine-schedule-what-changed/

Washington State Department of Health. “Childhood Vaccine Program.” https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/public-health-system-resources-and-services/immunization/childhood-vaccine-program

Washington State Department of Health. “Washington State Department of Health statement on federal changes to childhood vaccine recommendations.” https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-state-department-health-statement-federal-changes-childhood-vaccine-recommendations

Washington State Department of Health. “Video message from State Health Officer Dr. Tao Kwang-Gett affirming Washington’s immunization recommendations.” LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wadepthealth_our-vaccine-recommendations-remain-in-place-activity-7414105576554696704-q8Vr

Washington State Department of Health. “West Coast Health Alliance endorses 2026 AAP child and adolescent immunization schedule.” https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/west-coast-health-alliance-endorses-2026-aap-child-and-adolescent-immunization-schedule

Washington State Legislature. “House Bill 2242 (2025–26).” https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2242&Year=2025

Washington State Legislature. “Senate Bill 5967 (2025–26).” https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2025&BillNumber=5967

Your Local Epidemiologist. “A unilateral change to childhood immunization policy.” Substack. https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/a-unilateral-change-to-childhood