Cleveland Doctors Reject New Federal Vaccine Guidelines

Area pediatricians vow to continue previous recommendations despite federal changes.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:31am

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Cleveland-area physicians, along with healthcare systems and providers across the country, are rejecting new federal guidelines that reduce the number of recommended childhood vaccines. Doctors say the vaccines themselves and decades of data showing their safety and efficacy have not changed, and they will continue to follow the previous U.S. policy. However, the uncertainty is causing confusion and hesitancy among families about immunizations.

Why it matters

The new federal recommendations, which some doctors describe as politically motivated rather than science-based, could lead to increased vaccine hesitancy and the spread of preventable diseases. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial for community immunity, especially for vulnerable populations.

The details

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently cut the number of universally recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11, leaving flu and COVID-19 shots up to 'shared clinical decision-making' between doctors and families. Local physicians say they will continue to follow the previous guidelines, as the vaccines themselves have not changed. They worry the changes may foster confusion and distrust, leading more families to refuse all immunizations.

  • On January 5, 2026, the CDC released the new vaccine guidelines.
  • The Pan American Health Organization is set to review the United States' and Mexico's measles elimination status this spring due to outbreaks that began in 2025.

The players

Dr. David Margolius

Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health.

Dr. Candis Platt-Houston

Director of general pediatrics at MetroHealth.

Dr. Deanna Barry

Pediatrician based in Bath.

Dr. Melanie Golembiewski

Chief medical officer for Neighborhood Family Practice, a Cleveland primary healthcare provider.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Health and Human Services Secretary.

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What they’re saying

“It's OK to ignore it.”

— Dr. David Margolius, Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health (cleveland.com)

“Instead of fostering trust, (the changes) may foster confusion and distrust.”

— Dr. Candis Platt-Houston, Director of general pediatrics at MetroHealth (cleveland.com)

“It's not that families aren't willing or even disagreeing with me. They're confused, and it's so understandable why they're confused right now, because of what's going on in the news. I almost feel like confusion is a bigger risk than if we just disagreed. So my job is to kind of cut through that confusion, and offer clarity.”

— Dr. Deanna Barry, Pediatrician (cleveland.com)

“Clinicians provide clear, unbiased information, and patients are supported in asking questions and expressing their preferences and concerns. When shared decision-making is done well, it strengthens trust, improves understanding, and ultimately supports higher-quality, more sustainable health outcomes.”

— Dr. Melanie Golembiewski, Chief medical officer for Neighborhood Family Practice (cleveland.com)

“The changes were meant to restore trust in public health and bring this country's recommendations closer to those in other developed nations.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Pan American Health Organization is set to review the United States' and Mexico's measles elimination status this spring due to outbreaks that began in 2025.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of clear, science-based communication from public health authorities to maintain trust and high vaccination rates, which are crucial for protecting vulnerable populations and preventing the spread of preventable diseases.