US Ends Mandatory Vaccines for Children, Experts Warn

On Monday, January 5, 2026, the United States officially ended its long-standing rule that required all children to get vaccines for flu and three other diseases. This is a major change in public health policy and is part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s long-term plan.

Public health experts have expressed serious concerns about this decision. They warn that if fewer children are vaccinated, it could lead to more preventable illnesses, hospital visits, and even deaths. Vaccines have long been considered one of the most effective ways to protect children from dangerous diseases.

The change represents a big shift in US vaccination policy and has already sparked debates among parents, medical professionals, and lawmakers. Some support the change, saying it gives parents more freedom to decide what is best for their children. Others argue that it puts public health at risk by reducing the number of children protected against infectious diseases.

Experts also warn that lowering vaccination rates could make it easier for outbreaks of diseases like flu, measles, or other preventable illnesses to spread, especially in schools and communities.

This new policy highlights the ongoing discussion in the US about personal choice versus public health safety, and how to best protect children while respecting individual freedoms.