Connecticut Backs Pediatric Group's Vaccines Over CDC Changes

Connecticut will follow childhood vaccination recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics rather than adopt recent changes by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, State Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani announced this week.

Juthani endorsed the AAP’s 2026 childhood vaccination schedule, which the pediatric group released earlier this week. The state joins at least 20 other states in rejecting the CDC’s changes to the vaccination schedule for children and adolescents.

The CDC announced an overhaul of the immunization schedule on January 5, reducing the number of universally recommended immunizations from 17 to 11.

“Well-established, science-driven recommendations that physicians, public health officials, and parents can rely on to keep children healthy and communities protected,” Juthani said of the AAP guidelines.

The commissioner said the pediatric group’s recommendations align with current protocols Connecticut has used to prevent disease outbreaks. The state affirmed its commitment to the existing vaccine schedule earlier this month, before the AAP released its updated guidelines.

Connecticut is a member of the Governors Public Health Alliance, along with 14 other states that have elected not to adopt the CDC changes.

“Public health policy in Connecticut will continue to be driven by the best available evidence-based research and data,” Juthani said. “Our responsibility to the health of our residents requires nothing less.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend immunization plans approved by the CDC prior to the current administration, providing an alternative to the new federal guidelines.