January 6, 2026 - On Monday, California Medical Association President and pediatrician René Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement following the decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to abruptly cut the number of vaccines universally recommended for children: 

“The decision to weaken the childhood immunization schedule is misguided and dangerous. As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how routine vaccinations save lives, prevent suffering, and protect entire communities. Compounding these concerns is a process that has lacked transparency, making it difficult for physicians and the public to understand the evidence and reasoning behind such a consequential change. Today’s decision undermines decades of evidence-based public health policy and sends a deeply confusing message to families at a time when vaccine confidence is already under strain. The California Medical Association strongly opposes this rollback and urges families to follow recommendations from trusted national and specialty physician groups.

Nationally, we need to put child health, medical expertise, and scientific integrity ahead of ideology.”

Source: California Medical Association