HHS Requests Public Comment on Federal Vaccine Recommendations

Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or the Department) announced a request for public comment on the categories used in Federal vaccine recommendations. Currently, three categories are used: routine (universal) recommendations, risk-based recommendations, and recommendations based on shared clinical decision-making, also referred to as individual-based decision-making.  The Department seeks comments on whether the current categories are adequate and whether it should adopt additional or different categories. The Department further seeks comment on the considerations that should be relied upon in setting vaccine recommendations, including:

• the availability and strength of available scientific evidence;
• the appropriate approach when randomized controlled trial evidence is limited or absent;
• a presumption in favor of individual autonomy and religious freedom;
• the downstream legal and programmatic consequences of category assignment; and
• the communication practices necessary to earn and maintain public trust.
  

Interested persons are invited to submit written comments identified by Docket No. HHS-OS-2026-0332 by either of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments; or (2) Mail: Cynthia Goss, 200 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20201. All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number. Comments received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

Comments must be received no later than September 20, 2026.