HHS seeks public input on overhauling US vaccine recommendation categories
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The US Department of Health and Human Services posted a Request for Information on changing how vaccine recommendations are categorized. The document, published in the Federal Register on Monday, asks the public to weigh in on replacing the current three categories. Comments are due by September 20.
Key Facts
- The RFI was posted online Friday and published in the Federal Register on Monday.
- The public comment deadline is September 20.
- Current CDC categories are routine, risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making.
- Kennedy cites an executive order signed by President Trump two weeks ago as the basis for the review.
The Request for Information
The 10-page RFI poses questions about the current categories and asks the public to weigh in on ideas for how to change or replace them. Kennedy has made no new rules or recommendations for the categories yet. The document suggests possible new designations such as "recommended with qualification" or recommendations based on "shared clinical decision-making."
Current Vaccine Recommendation Categories
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently grants three categories of vaccination recommendations, informed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The categories are routine (universal), risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making. Before Kennedy's oversight, the CDC and ACIP used an evidence-based decision-making framework to determine recommendation types.
Policy Context
Kennedy prefaces the RFI by citing an executive order on vaccines that President Trump signed two weeks ago. The order aimed to slash and overhaul federal vaccine recommendations. The RFI is part of a broader effort by Kennedy and Trump to undermine federal vaccine recommendations.
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HHS seeks public input on overhauling US vaccine recommendation categories
