‘Shared decision-making’ for childhood vaccines sounds empowering – but it may mean less access for families already stretched thin

Doctor’s visits are already rushed. Adding extra steps means some children, especially those from low-income families, simply won’t get the vaccines they should.

By: Y. Tony Yang, George Washington University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 9, 2026

Words: 1,239

Last Updated: 19 hours, 4 minutes ago

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By Y. Tony Yang, George Washington University

When federal health officials announced on Jan. 5, 2026, that they were taking six out of 17 vaccines off the childhood immunization schedule, they argued that the move would give parents and caregivers more choice.

Instead of all U.S. children routinely receiving them, these six vaccines are now optional – available to families who request them after consulting a clinician, through a process called shared …

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