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Federal childhood vaccine recommendations have changed significantly in recent months. In August, the federal government published a revised framework that places vaccines into three recommendations: for all children, for certain high-risk groups and based on shared clinical decision-making.
The framework also calls for eventually offering separate measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and, when feasible, administering childhood vaccines at separate medical visits. More recently, the federal government announced plans to explore splitting some childhood vaccines into additional doses given at longer intervals, although details about which vaccines would be affected have not yet been specified.
Parents may have questions about which vaccines their children need and whether recent changes to federal recommendations should affect their decisions. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend routine childhood immunizations and maintains its own 2026 schedule, including catch-up guidance for children who have fallen behind. Grace Ryan, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of population & quantitative health sciences at UMass Chan Medical School, answered common questions about pediatric vaccines and what parents should know this fall.
Is there any medical benefit to separating the MMR vaccine into three separate shots?
“There is no medical benefit to separating MMR vaccine into three separate shots,” Dr. Ryan said.
The combination vaccine has been used since the early 1970s and has been highly effective at preventing all three diseases.
Separating the vaccines could instead create additional challenges for families and healthcare providers.
Parents would need to make multiple visits to receive each individual vaccines, increasing the possibility of missed doses and necessitating co-pays for each vaccine. Healthcare practices would also need to manage, store and administer three separate vaccines rather than one combination vaccine.
What are the potential risks of spacing out childhood vaccines or delaying them?
Delaying vaccines can leave children susceptible to diseases that can cause serious illness.
Combination vaccines allow children to receive protection against multiple diseases at the same time. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella, all of which are highly contagious.
“Spreading out vaccines will lead to lower vaccination rates and leave more children susceptible to preventable diseases,” Ryan said.
This is particularly concerning as measles continues to circulate in the United States. According to data from Johns Hopkins, the U.S. is experiencing its highest number of reported measles cases in more than three decades.
What should parents do if they are confused about whether to follow the current vaccine schedule or the proposed changes?
The best place for parents to start is with their child’s pediatrician.
“First, talk to your pediatrician; they know your family and your child best and can help you make the best decisions for your family,” Ryan said.
Parents can also turn to trusted medical and public health organizations for evidence-based information, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which provides guidance on childhood health and immunizations.
The Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy also provides evidence-based reviews and resources to help families better understand vaccine safety and vaccine-preventable diseases.
As vaccine recommendations continue to change, Ryan said parents should seek guidance from their child’s healthcare provider and rely on trusted sources for information about vaccination.
