The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has expressed concern over recent changes to the United States vaccination recommendation schedule, which were announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 5, 2026. The modifications, made under Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, narrow vaccine recommendations for influenza, RSV, COVID-19, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A in children.
According to AAFA, these changes were not prompted by new data questioning the safety or efficacy of previous vaccine guidelines. The organization warns that altering the recommendations could lead to confusion among the public, a drop in vaccination rates, and an increase in illness and mortality.
There are more than 28 million people in the United States living with asthma—including about 5 million children—who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections. Such infections are a significant trigger for asthma attacks and emergencies. Additionally, children who contract respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) face an increased risk of developing asthma later in life.
AAFA continues to advocate for vaccines against influenza, RSV, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19 for individuals with asthma or those who interact closely with them. The foundation affirms: “Vaccines against respiratory infections combat the spread of such infections, as well as reduce the potential harm from catching the infection. While some vaccines are more effective than others, all offer more benefit than risk and provide protection to prevent becoming sick or developing serious complications.”
The CDC’s updated guidance now classifies annual seasonal influenza vaccination alongside COVID-19 vaccination as “no longer routinely recommended” for any age group or risk category. Instead, individuals are advised to make personal decisions regarding these vaccinations after consulting with healthcare providers. However, no additional tools or guidance have been provided by CDC to assist patients or health professionals in making these decisions.
Historically recognized high-risk groups—such as those with heart disease, lung conditions like asthma or COPD, diabetes; cancer patients; immunocompromised persons; pregnant women; people living with HIV; organ transplant recipients; those affected by obesity or high blood pressure—are no longer specifically addressed in federal guidelines.
AAFA points out that nearly everyone is either at high risk themselves or lives among people who are considered high-risk due to various medical conditions. “Essentially,” states AAFA’s release,“this means that even if you are not in a high-risk category you are very likely to be around people who are at higher risk of very serious illness or death. Getting vaccinated is important to reduce your own risk and take care of the community around you.”
The decision comes during what has been reported as one of the most severe flu spikes in 25 years—a period that has already resulted in at least nine pediatric deaths—and follows a record-breaking season for child fatalities from flu: 289 children died from influenza during 2024-2025 in the U.S., surpassing figures seen during previous pandemics. Of those cases,“Ninety percent of those children were not fully vaccinated against influenza,and roughly half had no preexisting conditions.”
State governments retain authority over school-entry vaccine mandates despite federal changes; it remains uncertain how state-level policies will adjust following this federal update. For children’s immunizations specifically,the AAFA recommends adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.
For further information on managing respiratory infections,vaccine schedules,and resources related to asthma care,the public can visit https://aafa.org/ri .
Founded in 1953,the AAFA describes itself as “the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma ,allergies,and related conditions through research ,education ,advocacy ,and support.” More details about their programs can be found at https://aafa.org/ .
