Policy Rift: Federal Vaccine Guidance Clashes with State Mandates

A sweeping shift in U.S. vaccine policy shows a growing split between federal guidance and state actions: the administration cut universal childhood vaccines from 17 to 11 and bypassed ACIP, while the AAP's expanded schedule (18 diseases) gains adoption by many governors; conflicts of interest around vaccine advisory processes, changes to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and a wave of state bills on exemptions and mandates are reshaping how vaccines are recommended and required, all as measles and flu outbreaks continue — prompting public engagement and vigilance.