North Carolina will continue following its 2015 vaccination recommendations for children and adolescents, officials said, even after the CDC updated its own guidance last week.
On January 5, the CDC reduced the number of recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11. Vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, COVID, rotavirus, and influenza are now recommended mainly for high-risk groups or after consultation with a healthcare provider. The CDC noted that the U.S. recommends more vaccines than most developed countries.
Dr. Kelly Kimple, director of the North Carolina Division of Public Health, said the state’s vaccine list remains largely aligned with the CDC’s core recommendations. Vaccines for measles, polio, chickenpox, tetanus, and whooping cough stay on North Carolina’s schedule.
However, North Carolina will follow the American Academy of Pediatrics, which has chosen not to adopt the CDC’s new shortened list. Kimple stressed that the AAP’s guidance is evidence-based and supports continued protection for children.
“I know that these changes are confusing, and we want to ensure people have clear, reliable information,” Kimple said. “The scientific evidence around the vaccines has not changed. These vaccines are safe and effective to prevent serious illness and death.”
State health officials emphasized that vaccines remain available, covered by insurance, and vital for protecting children, families, and communities. Kimple added that staying current on recommended vaccines ensures public safety and prevents outbreaks.
Officials also encouraged North Carolinians to get flu shots if they haven’t already and to verify that their MMR vaccines are up to date, especially for those traveling to areas with measles activity.
Recently, three siblings in Buncombe County contracted measles after traveling to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where a measles outbreak is ongoing. Another case in Polk County is also linked to travel. Dr. Erica Wilson of DHHS said the Buncombe children had received one MMR dose but may not have been fully vaccinated.
Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Kimple cited a 2024 study showing that U.S. childhood vaccines prevented approximately 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and more than 1.1 million premature deaths between 1994 and 2023. These figures do not include flu, COVID, or RSV vaccines.
Despite CDC changes, North Carolina health officials maintain that immunizations are a proven, safe, and effective way to protect children and communities from serious diseases. They stressed that keeping vaccines up to date remains critical to preventing illness, limiting outbreaks, and saving lives.
By continuing its current recommendations, North Carolina aims to provide consistent, evidence-based guidance to families while reinforcing public trust in vaccination programs. Health leaders urge parents to consult with pediatricians and stay informed on recommended vaccines to ensure children remain protected.
The state’s approach underscores the importance of balancing national guidance with local public health priorities, particularly as outbreaks and travel-related cases highlight ongoing risks for vaccine-preventable diseases.