Evolution of CDC Childhood Vaccine Recommendations from 1986 to 2019

An overview of the evolution in CDC's childhood vaccine recommendations from 1986 to 2019 reveals a significant increase in immunizations administered during early life. In the early 1980s, children typically received three vaccines targeting seven diseases, including two combination vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles, mumps, rubella, along with a polio shot—totaling around 24 doses by age 18. Following the enactment of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act in 1989, the CDC expanded the immunization schedule, adding vaccines for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B (administered at birth), varicella (chickenpox), and rotavirus (which was later withdrawn). In the early 2000s, the schedule grew further to include vaccines for hepatitis A, HPV, meningococcal, pneumococcal, and additional doses for rotavirus and shingles, alongside adult booster shots and expanded flu vaccination recommendations across all age groups. Currently, the recommended schedule for children involves nearly 60 doses covering 16 diseases by age 18, reflecting a substantial increase over the past few decades.