The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has adopted “individual-based decision-making” for its adult and child immunization schedules for COVID-19 vaccinations. The individual-based decision-making approach means that CDC recommends patients consult a health care professional to discuss the risks and benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine before deciding if it is appropriate for the patient.
Additionally, CDC is advising that toddlers be immunized against chickenpox (varicella) separately, rather than as part of the measles, mumps, and rubella dose. According to CDC, the new recommendation of a stand-alone chickenpox vaccination for toddlers through age three follows evidence presented to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices by the CDC Immunization Safety Office, showing that healthy toddlers from 12-23 months old may have an increased risk of febrile seizure seven to 10 days after vaccination for the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine compared to those given immunization for chickenpox separately. The Trump Administration’s vaccine shift in the national immunization policy is discussed further in the November/December 2025 issue of Innovations®.