National PTA Deeply Concerned with Administration’s Recommendations for Childhood Vaccinations

National PTA Deeply Concerned with Administration's Recommendations for Childhood Vaccinations

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Aug. 11, 2026)-Last evening, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would weaken childhood vaccination recommendations. National PTA President Dr. Bill Datema, who has had a decades-long career in public health and education, and National PTA Executive Director Howie Berman, MA, CAE, issued the following statement on the executive order:

"The executive order decreases the number of vaccinations recommended for all children, separates combination vaccines into single vaccines and discourages school-based vaccination requirements. This follows the announcement in January that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would no longer be recommending routine immunization for diseases with known health impacts on our nation's children. Our association is deeply concerned the changing and weakened recommendations will further confuse families, create more burdens for parents and caregivers in accessing health care for their children, increase vaccine hesitancy and mistrust of medical professionals, and lead to higher rates of preventable childhood diseases. This is especially concerning as a new school year gets underway.

"Vaccinations have long been proven to be an effective tool in protecting children and preventing highly contagious viruses and diseases. National PTA has a strong history of advocating to make sure all families have access to vaccination for their children and that families have the information and the tools to understand recommendations from licensed and board-certified medical professionals. Ensuring access to comprehensive pediatric care for all children and youth-including access to vaccinations-and educating families and communities on the importance of vaccination is of the utmost importance to ensure all children are protected.

"Our association remains steadfast in our commitment to working at all levels to educate and advocate for critical childhood vaccinations to halt the spread of diseases and help keep kids healthy, in school and thriving."

National PTA's Board of Directors recently updated the association's position statement on the Health of Children & Youth and Family Access to Care, which outlines the association's support of health services, care and research that are preventative and primary in nature and the association's support of policies, legislation and efforts that ensure all children and youth in the nation receive the nutrition and health care needed to arrive at school ready to learn with healthy minds and bodies.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.