29 States and DC Reject Federal Vaccine Guidance

Partisan divide emerges as Democratic-led states defy CDC changes to childhood vaccine schedule.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:10am

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Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have rejected at least some federal vaccine guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the leadership of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The changes, which reduced the recommended routine childhood vaccinations from 13 to 7, have led to a partisan divide, with all Democratic-led states rejecting the federal guidance while many Republican-led states have not.

Why it matters

The rejection of federal vaccine guidance by a majority of states highlights the growing political polarization around public health policies. It raises concerns about potential outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in states that have abandoned the CDC's recommendations, and the long-term impacts on community health.

The details

The tally of 29 states and DC rejecting federal vaccine guidance reflects announcements made since last May, when Kennedy began making changes to the vaccine schedule. The new state-by-state recommendations show a clear partisan divide, with all Democratic-led states opting out of the federal guidance while many Republican states have not. For example, Virginia announced in February it would not follow CDC guidelines after the election of Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who had campaigned on the issue. In Florida, the state Senate passed a bill making it easier for parents to opt out of vaccinations, though the state House has not taken up the measure.

  • In May 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. began making changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule.
  • As of January 2026, the CDC reduced the recommended routine childhood vaccinations from 13 to 7.
  • In February 2026, Virginia announced it would not follow CDC vaccine guidelines under new Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
  • On March 9, 2026, the Florida state Senate passed a bill making it easier for parents to opt out of vaccinations.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who began making changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule in May 2025.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who announced in February 2026 that the state would not follow CDC vaccine guidelines.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida whose state Senate passed a bill in March 2026 making it easier for parents to opt out of vaccinations.

Bill Cassidy

The Republican U.S. Senator from Louisiana who is facing a primary challenge after reluctantly agreeing to Kennedy's confirmation despite objecting to his views on vaccines.

Northeast Public Health Collaborative

An alliance of 10 states and New York City that said in January 2026 it will continue following guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics instead of the federal government.

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What’s next

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 29, 2026 in a lawsuit filed by 15 Democrat-led states seeking to reverse the new federal vaccine guidelines.

The takeaway

The rejection of federal vaccine guidance by a majority of states reflects the growing political divide over public health policies. It raises concerns about potential disease outbreaks and long-term impacts on community health, particularly in states that have abandoned the CDC's recommendations.