The Minnesota Department of Health will no longer base its immunization recommendations on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, instead aligning with schedules developed by major professional medical associations.
State health officials announced the change after federal authorities revised the childhood immunization schedule earlier this week, reducing the number of vaccines recommended for routine use. Minnesota health leaders say the federal update did not follow the customary process of extensive scientific review.
“This change at the federal level does not reflect the best available science,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “Medical association immunization schedules are evidence-based, reflect current clinical practice and are developed through established professional review processes.”
Under the new approach, MDH will update its website and immunization guidance to reflect recommendations from the following organizations:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for children and adolescents from birth through age 18
- The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for adults 19 and older
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for vaccines recommended during pregnancy
MDH officials said the federal government’s decision to revise the CDC schedule was made without the advisory committee process traditionally used to evaluate scientific evidence and public health impact. By adopting medical association guidance, the state aims to provide what it describes as clearer and more stable recommendations for families and health care providers.
Minnesota has previously diverged from CDC guidance on COVID-19 and hepatitis B vaccines. The latest decision extends that approach across all immunizations.
Health officials say the shift is intended to maintain consistent vaccine access and protect public health, while simplifying guidance for providers and the public. The move also aligns with a September executive order from Gov. Tim Walz emphasizing the protection of vaccine access and the reduction of barriers to immunization.
Leaders from Minnesota-based medical organizations voiced support for the change.
Dr. Katie Smentek, president of the Minnesota chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said pediatricians will continue to recommend vaccines based on the strongest available scientific evidence. She encouraged parents with questions to consult their child’s physician, citing clinicians’ familiarity with patients’ health histories and community-level risks.
Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians President Dr. Jamie Conniff said vaccine schedules must remain evidence-based to maintain public trust. “The State of Minnesota is working to provide clarity by directing patients toward organizations that ground their recommendations in rigorous scientific processes,” she said.
Dr. Leslie Carranza, chair of the Minnesota section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, emphasized that vaccines remain a key component of both personal and public health, adding that ACOG’s recommendations will continue to be guided by scientific evidence.
The Minnesota Medical Association also raised concerns about the CDC’s revised schedule. Association President Dr. Lisa Mattson said the federal changes could create confusion and urged families to speak directly with their physicians about the role vaccines play in preventing serious illness and death.
MDH said vaccines recommended by professional medical associations remain covered by private insurance and are available through the Minnesota Vaccines for Children program.
State officials added that Minnesota will continue to recommend routine childhood immunizations protecting against 17 infectious diseases, many of which can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, or death.
