Leading OB-GYN group breaks from CDC on maternal vaccination schedule | US healthcare
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released its first official maternal vaccination schedule, marking a formal departure from federal guidance. The new resource recommends four specific immunizations for all pregnant people: influenza, Covid-19, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and RSV. This decision follows the Trump administration’s move to drop federal recommendations for flu and Covid-19 shots under the leadership of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Did You Know? A study published in Jama Network Open found that administering the RSV vaccine during pregnancy is 68% effective at preventing hospitalizations in infants under three months of age.
Why the Medical Community is Diverging
ACOG’s decision to issue its own schedule stems from a desire to provide clear, evidence-based guidance amidst what leadership describes as growing misinformation. Christopher Zahn, ACOG’s chief of clinical practice and health equity and quality, stated that the guidance is intended to serve as an accessible tool for patients, pharmacists, and clinicians. The organization officially withdrew from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in early 2026, citing concerns that recent changes had undermined the committee’s scientific integrity.
Laura Riley, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine, noted that the organization felt compelled to act because current federal messaging regarding vaccines in pregnancy does not align with the scientific evidence. While ACOG previously remained in sync with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leadership concluded that a different approach was necessary to address public confusion regarding the necessity of vaccines for pregnant individuals.
The Impact on Patient Trust
Obstetricians and gynecologists occupy a unique position in the healthcare system, typically seeing patients ten times during a nine-month pregnancy. This frequency allows clinicians to address vaccine hesitancy and skepticism in a structured, long-term manner. Margot Savoy, chief medical officer at the American Academy of Family Physicians, emphasized that while patients are increasingly skeptical of science, many simply have questions that can be resolved through direct, informed conversations with their doctors.
Despite the current challenges, about 70% of pregnant individuals in the U.S. currently receive Tdap and RSV vaccinations. However, rates for flu and Covid-19 remain significantly lower, at approximately 30% or less. Kevin Ault, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Western Michigan University, highlighted that disparities in insurance coverage continue to influence both vaccination rates and infant health outcomes.
What May Happen Next
As medical societies like ACOG, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians continue to promote this new schedule, the gap between federal recommendations and clinical practice is likely to persist. Clinicians may find themselves acting as the primary source of truth for patients who report “doing their own research” via social media. If the current trend of skepticism continues, pediatric and OB-GYN practices could see a sustained increase in the time required for patient counseling to ensure families receive evidence-based care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines does ACOG recommend for all pregnant people?
The new schedule recommends four immunizations: influenza, Covid-19, Tdap, and RSV. Additional vaccines, such as hepatitis B or MMR, may be recommended for individuals with specific comorbidities or risk factors.
Why did ACOG withdraw from the ACIP?
ACOG withdrew in early 2026, citing concerns that recent changes to the federal committee undermined its scientific integrity and evidence-based approach to vaccine policy.
How does this new schedule address vaccine misinformation?
The schedule is designed to be an accessible, evidence-based resource for both providers and patients. Clinicians are encouraged to use the frequent check-ins during pregnancy to discuss these recommendations and address specific questions or concerns raised by patients.
How will you prioritize these new clinical recommendations in your own healthcare conversations?