Vaccinations
Follow the latest Vaccinations news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
June 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM

CDC vaccine advisory panel recommends against flu vaccines containing thimerosal

The CDC's vaccine advisory committee voted to recommend annual flu vaccines but against flu shots containing the preservative thimerosal
June 26, 2025 at 7:34 PM
A sign marks the entrance to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, on Oct. 8, 2013.
June 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM

CDC vaccine panel recommends against flu vaccines containing thimerosal

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 5-1 on Thursday to recommend against flu vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal.
June 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
VIDEO: CDC vaccine panel recommends against flu vaccines containing thimerosal
June 26, 2025 at 1:46 PM

RFK Jr.'s handpicked vaccine panel set to meet again

The CDC's new vaccine advisory panel, appointed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to meet again to make some recommendations on vaccines for the flu and the winter virus season.
June 26, 2025 at 1:46 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr.'s handpicked vaccine panel set to meet again
June 26, 2025 at 1:41 PM

CDC panel recommends RSV shot for babies

The CDC's vaccine advisory committee said it will study the childhood immunization schedule in the first meeting featuring HHS Secretary RFK Jr.'s hand-selected members.
June 26, 2025 at 1:41 PM
The campus of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seen as a meeting of the Advisory Committee in Immunization Practices takes place, June 25, 2025, in Atlanta.
June 26, 2025 at 12:54 PM

US pulls funding from global vaccines group, saying it has 'ignored the science'

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F
June 26, 2025 at 12:54 PM
FILE - Health officials prepare to administer a vaccine in the Malawi village of Tomali with the world's first vaccine against malaria in a pilot program in Tomali, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)
June 25, 2025 at 10:16 PM

What to know about thimerosal, a vaccine ingredient removed decades ago

A CDC advisory panel is slated to vote on a preservative called thimerosal.
June 25, 2025 at 10:16 PM
A nurse prepares to administer a flu shot during a 9th Ward COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinic at the Pullman Community Center in Chicago on Oct. 10, 2024.
June 25, 2025 at 7:46 PM

New CDC vaccine advisory board meets for 1st time

The CDC's vaccine advisory committee is meeting for the first time since HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the entire panel and appointed new members.
June 25, 2025 at 7:46 PM
VIDEO: New CDC vaccine advisory board meets for 1st time
June 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM

RFK Jr. to meet with new vaccine panel

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to meet with the CDC’s new vaccine panel, made up with members he picked.
June 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr. to meet with new vaccine panel
June 25, 2025 at 6:36 PM

CDC director nominee grilled on vaccines, public health in confirmation hearing

President Trump's pick for the director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Susan Monarez, is set to face questions about her vision for the agency.
June 25, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Susan Monarez, nominee to be the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testifies during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, June 25, 2025 in Washington.
June 25, 2025 at 4:16 PM

What meeting of CDC advisory panel means for vaccines

ABC News’ Alex Presha and medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel discuss the meeting of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel.
June 25, 2025 at 4:16 PM
VIDEO: What meeting of CDC advisory panel means for vaccines
June 24, 2025 at 7:23 PM

Experts warn RFK Jr. is unraveling the system that kept vaccines safe

Secretary Kennedy has long held many vaccine-skeptic views.
June 24, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee Health Subcommittee in the Rayburn House Office Building on June 24, 2025 in Washington, DC.
June 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM

RFK Jr. recently removed 17 people from a CDC vaccine panel. Now they're speaking out

The 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, who were ousted last week, argued their abrupt dismissal has "left the U.S. vaccine program critically weakened."
June 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 20, 2025.
June 11, 2025 at 8:37 PM

What may be next for CDC vaccine committee after RFK Jr. removed all its members?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently removed all 17 sitting members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee. Who could be on the committee next and what changes may be coming?
June 11, 2025 at 8:37 PM
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 20, 2025.
June 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM

CDC employees protest after vaccine panel disbanding

Current and former CDC employees were protesting HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to fire all 17 experts from the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP).
June 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
VIDEO: CDC employees walk out after vaccine panel disbanding
June 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM

CDC workers plan protest against removal of CDC’s vaccine advisory committee 

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday he is removing all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee.
June 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
VIDEO: CDC workers plan walkout in protest of removal of CDC's vaccine advisory committee
June 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM

RFK Jr.’s removal of vaccine panel a ‘horrible thing’: Former CDC director

Dr. Richard Besser, CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, says Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s action decreases the ability of doctors to inform their patients.
June 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr.’s removal of vaccine panel a ‘horrible thing’: Former CDC director
June 10, 2025 at 2:22 PM

Removal of CDC panel ‘undermines value of vaccines’: Doctor

Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University, says Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s action makes the U.S. “less prepared for infectious disease threats.”
June 10, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Removal of CDC panel ‘undermines value of vaccines’: Doctor
June 2, 2025 at 3:20 PM

Most US counties saw decline in childhood MMR vaccination rates, report finds

Most U.S. counties have seen a decline in measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates over the last five years, according to a new report published Monday.
June 2, 2025 at 3:20 PM
A vial of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is on display at the Lubbock Health Department, on Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.
1 month ago

Why healthy children may need vaccination amid new RFK Jr. COVID shot recommendations

Public health experts said healthy children also at risk of severe disease and death from COVID amid RFK Jr.'s announcement of new CDC COVID vaccine recommendations.
1 month ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., standing next to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, seen in a post on X where he announced the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women.
1 month ago

Lawmakers move to simplify requesting vaccine exemption as measles spreads

Texas lawmakers have passed a bill that would make it easier for parents to opt out of vaccinating their children, despite the current measles outbreak in West Texas.
1 month ago
In this Feb. 27, 2025, file photo, signs point the way to measles testing in the parking lot of the Seminole Hospital District across from Wigwam Stadium, in Seminole, Texas.
1 month ago

Officials have been questioning safety, efficacy of mRNA vaccines. What we know

Infectious disease experts say mRNA vaccines have been studied for decades, they are safe and effective, and were instrumental in saving lives during the COVID pandemic.
1 month ago
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus in Silver Spring, Md., is photographed on Oct. 14, 2015.
2 months ago

New HHS policy will require vaccines have placebo trials

The Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to require placebo-controlled trials for new vaccines before they are licensed for public use.
2 months ago
VIDEO: New HHS policy will require vaccines have placebo trials
2 months ago

Dr. Alok Patel joins PRIME to talk measles, vaccines and Trump’s physical

News’ Stephanie Ramos spoke with ABC News’ medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel about the growing number of measles cases, vaccines and President Trump’s physical exam.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Dr. Alok Patel joins PRIME to talk measles, vaccines and Trump’s physical
3 months ago

Shingles vaccination may reduce dementia risk, study finds

Dr. Gayatri Devi, director of Park Avenue Neurology, discusses the new study published in the journal Nature that found a connection between the shingles vaccine and dementia.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Shingles vaccination may reduce dementia risk, study finds
4 months ago

CDC to study vaccines and autism, despite several studies already finding no link

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will study whether vaccines cause autism, despite numerous existing studies already showing there is no link.
4 months ago
FILE - A sign marks the entrance to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, on Oct. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
4 months ago

MRNA vaccines now face attacks from some in the GOP

Republicans have proposed legislation in several states to ban the pioneering technology used in COVID shots.
4 months ago
President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Mar. 6, 2025.
4 months ago

Vaccine shows promise for treating pancreatic cancer, study shows

A personalized mRNA vaccine appeared to reduce the chances of pancreatic cancer returning after surgery, according to a study published in the journal Nature.
4 months ago
In this undated stock photo, a medical professional holds a bottle of an mRNA vaccine.
4 months ago

RFK Jr. says he will 'investigate' childhood vaccine schedule, antidepressants

Board certified psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani reacts to the comments Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made to a room packed with federal health workers on Tuesday.
4 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. says he will 'investigate' childhood vaccine schedule, antidepressants
4 months ago

Louisiana to 'no longer promote' mass vaccination. Here's what that could mean

Louisiana’s surgeon general announced late Thursday that the state health department "will no longer promote mass vaccination." Here's what that could mean.
4 months ago
Rep. Ralph Abraham, leaves the House Republican Conference meeting in the Capitol on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
9 months ago

US provides $72M to vaccine manufacturers to advance bird flu shot preparedness

There are currently no recommendations for anyone to be vaccinated against bird flu and federal health officials note this is being done out of "an abundance of caution."
9 months ago
3D rendered image of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
9 months ago

Exemptions for routine vaccines among kindergartners reach record highs: CDC

New CDC data published Wednesday found vaccination coverage among kindergartners fell slightly from the year before as exemptions reached record highs.
9 months ago
Childhood vaccinations fall.
10 months ago

When is the right time to get your vaccine shots?

As kids head back to school ,the flu season is not far off. ABC News’ medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton is here with some advice on the right time to take the flu and COVID shots.
10 months ago
VIDEO: When is the right time to get your vaccine shots?
1 year ago

Childhood vaccine coverage not yet back to pre-pandemics levels: WHO, UNICEF report

A new report on Sunday from the WHO and UNICEF found that global vaccine coverage for DTP and measles has increased but is not yet back to pre-pandemics levels.
1 year ago
1 year ago

More than 90% of chickenpox cases in New York City outbreak among unvaccinated people

The varicella outbreak was first identified in October 2022 in persons who’d migrated through or from Central and South America.
1 year ago
The varicella outbreak was first identified in October 2022 in persons who’d migrated through or from Central and South America.
1 year ago

116 kids left vulnerable to measles, polio after nurse falsified vaccine records

Nurse Sandra Miceli, from Webster, New York, was fined $55,000 after allegedly falsifying vaccine records for more than 100 children.
1 year ago
In this undated stock photo, a young patient receives a vaccine injection from a doctor.
1 year ago

MIS-C cases in 2023 mostly among unvaccinated children: CDC report

The report found that 82.1% of children who contracted MIS-C were unvaccinated.
1 year ago
The report found that 82.1% of children who contracted MIS-C were unvaccinated.
1 year ago

7th measles case confirmed in outbreak linked to elementary school in this state

The seventh case of measles linked to an outbreak at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Florida was confirmed by officials on Tuesday.
1 year ago
Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine holding in hand with injection syringe at the background.
1 year ago

Children's MMR vaccine rate drops 2%, 250,000 kindergarteners vulnerable to measles

National MMR coverage has dropped 2% from the 2019-2021 school year to the 2022-2023 school year,
1 year ago
Lydia Fulton, LPN, administers the MMR vaccine to a child at Children's Primary Care Clinic in Minneapolis, April 28, 2017.
1 year ago

Doctors' group offers free measles vaccines in Philadelphia to fight outbreak

A doctors' group is offering free measles vaccines for unvaccinated residents in Philadelphia to fight an outbreak that has infected eight people so far.
1 year ago
A vial of a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is seen in Mount Vernon, Ohio, May 17, 2019.
1 year ago

Downward trend in measles vaccination rates has health experts concerned

The national vaccination rate for kindergarten-aged children dropped from 95% in 2019-2020 to 93% in the 2022-23 school year.
1 year ago
The national vaccination rate for kindergarten-aged children dropped from 95% in 2019-2020 to 93% in the 2022-23 school year.
2 years ago

Critics say a fumbled rollout of new RSV shot for babies has pediatricians worried

What factors led up to the fumbled rollout of the brand-new RSV shot for babies that has pediatricians worried and frustrated.
2 years ago
In this Oct. 27, 2023, file photo, a pediatrician holds up the last dose he has of a new drug to prevent RSV in infants.
2 years ago

Why one state is lagging behind rest of the US in childhood vaccinations

A recent CDC report found Idaho is lagging behind the rest of the U.S. when it comes to routine childhood vaccinations. Experts reveal why that may be the case.
2 years ago
2 years ago

Global measles cases rose 18% in 2022 amid low vaccination rates: Report

Domestic measles cases surged in 2019, with an estimated 1,274 people sick in at least 31 states -- the greatest number of cases reported since 1992, the CDC says.
2 years ago
In this April 26, 2019, file photo, a 10 pack and one dose bottles of measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine, made by MERCK, sits on a counter at the Salt Lake County Health Department in Salt Lake City, Utah.
2 years ago

Exemptions for routine childhood vaccination at highest level ever: CDC report

A new CDC report published Thursday found 93% of kindergartners met school requirements for childhood vaccinations, lower than the 95% seen pre-pandemic.
2 years ago
The measles mumps and rubella vaccine or also called the MMR vaccine is illustrated in this stock photo.
2 years ago

What to know about updating your vaccine status for the upcoming viral season

ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton shares what you should know about getting your COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines.
2 years ago
VIDEO: What know about updating your vaccine status for the upcoming viral season
2 years ago

New study on non-completion of vaccination series in children

ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton explains a new study that found one in every six toddlers initiated but did not complete a multi-dose vaccine series.
2 years ago
VIDEO: New study on non-completion of vaccination series in children
2 years ago

CDC says infants traveling abroad should get extra measles vaccine

The CDC issued a Health Alert this week, warning Americans about rising measles cases linked to international travel.
2 years ago
The measles mumps and rubella vaccine or also called the MMR vaccine is pictured in this stock photo.
3 years ago

3 tips that may help make your vaccines go the extra mile

The most important thing is to get vaccinated no matter the circumstances, doctors say.
3 years ago
In this Oct. 6, 2022, file photo, a vial of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, Bivalent, is shown at AltaMed Medical clinic in Los Angeles.
3 years ago

Pfizer's RSV vaccine candidate over 85% effective in older adults, data shows

Pfizer announced Thursday that its vaccine candidate for respiratory syncytial virus was 85.7% effective in preventing lower respiratory tract illness in older adults.
3 years ago
Pfizer's logo is reflected in a drop on a syringe needle in this illustration taken Nov. 9, 2020.
3 years ago

Why most Americans are unlikely to be infected with polio

Public health experts tell ABC News which vaccine is used to protect against polio and why most Americans are unlikely to be infected with the disease.
3 years ago
A health worker administers a dose of polio vaccine to a child during a national  polio immunization drive in India, June 27, 2021.