As Flu Skyrockets To Highest Levels In 25 Years, Leader Schumer Demands RFK Jr. Immediately Reverse Weakened Flu Vaccine Guidance And Launch Full Scale Awareness Campaign;[...]

New York, N.Y. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called on HHS and CDC to immediately reverse vaccine recommendation changes, launch a full-scale public awareness campaign, and provide a full accounting of their plan to protect the public from the dangers of the flu. Leader Schumer blasted RFK Jr. for changing vaccine recommendations with no evidence, meaning fewer adults and children received flu shots this season.

As the flu reaches the highest level in 25 years, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sounded the alarm on dangerous changes to federal flu vaccine guidance under Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schumer warned that weakening longstanding vaccine recommendations without scientific evidence risks leaving families, especially children, more vulnerable as flu continues to spread at high levels. Schumer called on HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to immediately reverse course, launch a full-scale public awareness campaign across the country, and clearly explain what they are doing to protect families as flu season continues.

"As fewer Americans get flu shots, we are seeing flu cases skyrocket across the country, especially among children," said Leader Schumer. "Instead of strengthening protections, RFK Jr. has weakened flu vaccine recommendations with no evidence to support it, and even suggested fewer kids should get vaccinated. That sends a dangerous message to parents at a time when families need clarity and leadership. While flu cases shoot right up, the CDC shrugs. That is unacceptable. I am demanding immediate action to protect American families and keep kids safe."

At the end of December, more than 8% of all visits to a health care provider in the United States were for flu-like symptoms - the highest rate since the CDC started keeping track of this data in 1997. As of January 9^th, The CDC reported 17 child deaths so far this season as cases of the "super flu" surge across the country. About 15 million flu cases have been reported this season, with 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths according to CDC data.

Schumer pointed to the unprecedented decision by HHS to downgrade the pediatric influenza vaccine from a routinely recommended shot to a category of shared clinical decision making, altering guidance that had been in place for nearly two decades. Schumer said the change was made without new scientific data and without following the established processes that allow for transparency and public input, creating confusion for parents and providers during a severe flu season. This change will make it harder for families to get the safe and effective flu vaccine, adding new barriers to getting the shot at the pharmacy and in the doctor's office.

Schumer said the federal response is putting American lives at risk, especially as pediatric vaccination rates decline and flu continues to circulate at very high levels. He urged federal health officials to build on successful past efforts, including CDC public awareness campaigns that helped families understand how flu vaccines reduce severe illness and death.

"Public health decisions should be driven by science, not ideology," Schumer said. "Families deserve clear guidance, honest communication, and a federal response that takes flu seriously. I will keep fighting to make sure New York families get the protection they need and that public health leadership does not put kids in harm's way."

The full text of the letter can be seen below:

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Dear Secretary Kennedy:

The decision made on Monday, January 5^th by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pursue an unprecedented overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule that recommends fewer shots to all children, including for influenza, will put American lives at risk. Downgrading the recommendation for six illnesses will make it harder for people to get lifesaving vaccinations. The decision to downgrade vaccine recommendations for flu from a routinely recommended vaccine to "shared clinical decision-making" means more people will unnecessarily get sick and die.

The country is in the middle of the worst seasonal flu spike in 25 years that has already killed at least 17 children. States across the country are experiencing dangerously high levels of flu, with emergency rooms overwhelmed. New York City alone has reported over 128,000 cases this flu season, with 54% among children. Last season 289 children died from flu, the highest number since CDC began tracking in 2004 - and around 90% of children that died from flu last year were not vaccinated.

The CDC should reverse the decision to weaken vaccine recommendations, and must immediately begin a public awareness campaign on the dangers of flu and availability of flu vaccines in communities. It is essential to communicate that it is not too late to get vaccinated.

We request a response to the below questions by January 31, 2026.

1. When will CDC begin a public awareness campaign to respond to the high levels of flu?
2. The decision to downgrade the flu vaccine guidance reversed an 18-year recommendation and was made without supporting scientific evidence. The new schedule circumvents the evidence-based and deliberative process that has determined vaccine recommendations in the nation for decades. When will the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) share the information that led to this decision? What process was used to determine this change?
3. Weakening flu vaccine recommendations will lead to more flu cases across the country. What steps is HHS taking to prepare for a future rise in cases, such as anticipating possible shortages of antiviral medications and alleviating health system burden?

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