The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommended vaccine schedule for children, reducing the number of universally recommended vaccines from 18 to 11. Several vaccines, including those for rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, and some meningitis types, are now recommended only for high-risk groups or upon discussion with a pediatrician. While officials state this aligns the U.S. with other nations and offers more flexibility, pediatric groups express concern that it may weaken protection against circulating diseases and cause confusion.