SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico health officials said the state will continue following its existing childhood vaccination schedule after federal health authorities reduced the number of vaccines universally recommended for children.
On Jan. 5, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its childhood immunization guidance, lowering the number of vaccines recommended for all children from 17 to 11. The New Mexico Department of Health said it will not adopt the revised federal recommendations.
States have the authority to determine which public health guidelines they follow, including vaccination requirements for public schools.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said New Mexico will maintain its current standards.
“New Mexico will not follow the federal government in walking away from decades of proven public health practice,” she said. “Our recommendations remain unchanged.”
