Jan. 9, 2026
Statement from Washington State Physician Societies on Federal Revisions to Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
Today, five leading Washington state physician and medical associations representing tens of thousands of Washington physicians and health care teams joined together to align their organizations with the Washington State Department of Health and the West Coast Health Alliance in expressing grave concerns with new federal revisions to the U.S. Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Those revisions include removing routine childhood immunizations for several diseases that can have serious health impacts, including hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, RSV, influenza, and meningococcal disease. In addition, the five associations - the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Infectious Diseases Society of Washington, the Washington Academy of Family Physicians, and the Washington Chapter of the American College of Physicians - join the Department of Health and the West Coast Health Alliance in urging Washington families and health care practitioners to continue following the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, which is based on established vaccine safety and effectiveness evidence.
"The CDC has capriciously and without evidence made sweeping changes to childhood vaccinations. These changes are not based on current science and will put our children at greater risk of vaccine-preventable diseases," said Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, president of the Washington State Medical Association. "As physicians, we are guided by an oath to care for, to protect, and, first and foremost, do no harm to our patients. We cannot in good conscience recommend revisions that are not backed by scientific evidence. We stand with our Department of Health and West Coast Health Alliance in urging Washingtonians to continue following the childhood vaccine recommendations from our colleagues at the American Academy of Pediatrics, which are based on the best-available science and have been protecting our children from disease and illness for decades."
"Recent federal changes to the U.S. Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule disregard decades of evidence-based research and the proven success of routine immunizations in preventing serious illness and death," said James A. Polo, MD, president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "For generations, pediatricians have relied on rigorous science and clinical evidence to protect children from serious and preventable disease. We urge families that want to avoid unnecessary risk to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' immunization schedule which reflects that commitment and remains the gold standard for child health."
"Vaccine science has decades of proof of both safety and efficacy," said Robert E. Geise, MD, fellow with the Infectious Diseases Society of America and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of Washington. "They have greatly diminished the impact and complications of infectious diseases on both children and adults. Complications are very, very rare, and the benefits have been demonstrated to far outweigh any risks. These reckless revisions to child vaccination recommendations and recent actions like the gutting of the ACIP and replacing a group of highly trained and respected physicians with others not as qualified are leaving our children and vulnerable populations at significantly higher risk of disease."
"Vaccines remain our most effective protection against preventable diseases," said Sonal Patel, MD, MPH, president of the Washington Academy of Family Physicians. "Since the scientific evidence has not changed, the recommendations to safeguard our communities should not change either. Let's ensure that the guidance patients and physicians rely on remains grounded in science. Vaccines save lives."
"We are alarmed that the new changes in national pediatric vaccine policy reflect the advancement of individual philosophies rather than changes to guidelines based on evolving research,” said Chris Knight, MD, governor of the Washington Chapter of American College of Physicians. “When the health of our children, and the adults they associate with, is governed by ideology rather than science, chaos ensues and communities will be harmed. We stand with other professional societies and expert organizations that are guided by research as they make recommendations that address the needs of our country. Vaccinating children is a crucial step in maintaining the well-being of children, families, and the public at large."
The state medical associations urge Washingtonians who are confused or concerned about recent federal changes in the vaccine recommendations to speak with their physician or health care team if they have questions about their or their family's care. Washingtonians are also encouraged to keep up to date with vaccine and routine health recommendations through national and state medical associations and societies, which offer health guidance based on the best-available science. Many leading medical associations have websites and social media accounts offering regular health tips and guidance. For a list of top medical association websites and social accounts, visit the WSMA website.
For more information contact:
Graham Short
WSMA Director of Communications
gfs@wsma.org / 206.329.6851 cell/text
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About the Washington State Medical Association
The WSMA represents approximately 13,500 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 135 years. Our visionis to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
About the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
WCAAP represents over 1,200 pediatric health care professionals from across Washington state. Our mission is to optimize the health and well-being of children and their families while advancing pediatric care. WCAAP frames and leads the public discussion on child health issues,advances public policy to benefit children, and empowers pediatric clinicians to provide quality medical care.
About the Infectious Diseases Society of Washington
IDSW is an organization of infectious disease and public health professionals representing physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists dedicated to the practice of infectious disease prevention and therapies. Our mission is to further the studies ofinfectious diseases, to promote education of the public and members of the medical and allied health professions in Washington, and to be a representative to the community regarding these issues
About the Washington Academy of Family Physicians
With 3,800 members, the WAFP is the largest medical specialty professional organization in Washington. Its members include physicians, residents, and medical students who specialize in family medicine. The organization works to influence the development of policy that will provide optimal health for all people of Washington state.
About the Washington Chapter of the American College of Physicians
The Washington Chapter of the American College of Physicians is the 2,700-member state chapter of the American College of Physicians, a national organization of internists—physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults. ACP is the largest medical-specialty organization and second-largest physician group in the United States. Its membership of 155,000 includes internists, internal medicine subspecialists, medical students, residents, and fellows.