American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Issues First Independent Vaccine Schedule, Breaking with CDC on COVID-19 and Flu Recommendations for Pregnant Women

On June 10, 2026, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released its first independent maternal vaccine schedule, breaking with the CDC by recommending COVID-19 and flu shots for pregnant women. Endorsed by 13 medical societies, the move counters 2025 federal changes enacted under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ACOG previously withdrew from the CDC's advisory committee in February 2026, citing concerns over compromised scientific integrity.

ACOG independent vaccine schedule

• ▪The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists developed its 2026 maternal immunization schedule to address growing vaccine misinformation and confusion caused by changing national recommendations.
• ▪The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released its first independent maternal vaccine schedule on June 10, 2026.

Divergence from CDC COVID guidance

• ▪The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' new schedule recommends COVID-19 and flu vaccines for pregnant women, directly countering current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends only the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for pregnant women.
• ▪Under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed its recommendation for healthy pregnant women and children to receive COVID-19 vaccines in May 2025.

Maternal immunization recommendations

• ▪The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists routinely recommends four immunizations during pregnancy: flu, COVID-19, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.
• ▪The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during a woman's first pregnancy.

Medical society endorsements

• ▪Thirteen other medical societies and health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, endorsed the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' schedule.
• ▪The American Academy of Pediatrics and some U.S. states have issued their own vaccine schedules that differ from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

ACOG withdrawal from CDC committee

• ▪The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists withdrew from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in February 2026.
• ▪The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cited concerns that the scientific integrity and evidence-based approach of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's advisory committee were being compromised.