CT Commissioner Concerns Over Scaled-Back US Vaccine Schedule

CT Dept of Public Health Press Releases

Published January 6th, 2026

Detected February 13th, 2026

Summary

Connecticut's Public Health Commissioner expressed serious concerns regarding recent changes to the national childhood vaccine schedule. The statement highlights potential confusion for parents and clinicians, and increased difficulty in navigating preventive care due to scaled-back federal recommendations.

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What changed

Connecticut's Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani has voiced significant concerns regarding the U.S. Health and Human Services agency's decision to alter the national childhood vaccination schedule. The statement emphasizes that while doctors already engage in discussions about vaccine benefits and risks, the clear national guidance previously provided has been crucial for informed decision-making by families. The scaling back of these recommendations is seen as a risk that could lead to confusion, place additional burdens on parents and clinicians, and complicate access to essential preventive care.

The practical implications for healthcare providers and public health authorities in Connecticut, and potentially nationwide, involve managing increased patient inquiries and addressing potential confusion stemming from the revised schedule. While Connecticut intends to continue supporting evidence-based recommendations, the change necessitates a review of communication strategies to ensure parents and guardians remain confident in the preventive care available for children. The statement implies a need for continued advocacy for clear, robust national guidance tailored to the specific health realities of children in the United States.

What to do next

Review the updated US vaccine schedule and any associated federal guidance.
Prepare to address potential patient and parent inquiries regarding the schedule changes.
Ensure internal communication aligns with Connecticut's continued support for evidence-based vaccination recommendations.

Source document (simplified)

Press Release Homepage Statement from CTDPH Commissioner Juthani on federal change to the US vaccine schedule Connecticut Public Health Commissioner voices concerns over scaled-back recommendations 1/06/2026 HARTFORD, CT – The following is a statement from Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD , regarding yesterday’s announcement by the U.S. Health and Human Services agency that it will be altering the childhood vaccination schedule: “Connecticut has serious concerns about the recent changes to the national childhood vaccine schedule. While doctors already work with parents to talk through the benefits and risks of vaccines, clear national guidance has helped families make informed decisions with confidence. Scaling back those recommendations risks creating confusion, placing more burden on parents and clinicians, and making preventive care harder to navigate. Other countries’ vaccine schedules reflect their own health systems and disease patterns, and a one-size-fits-another-country approach does not reflect the realities facing children in the United States. Connecticut will continue to support evidence-based recommendations designed to protect children and the communities we serve.” ### Media Contact: Maura Fitzgerald maura.fitzgerald@ct.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: