Safer Childhood Vaccines Task Force Revived

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the reinstatement of the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, a federal panel created to improve the safety, quality, and oversight of vaccines administered to American children.

The original Task Force was disbanded in 1998, and today's action reaffirms the Department's commitment to continuous improvement in childhood vaccine safety oversight.

"By reinstating this Task Force, we are reaffirming our commitment to rigorous science, continuous improvement, and the trust of American families," said National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya, in a press release on August 14, 2025.

"NIH is proud to lead this effort to advance vaccine safety and support innovation that protects children without compromise."

The Task Force is represented by senior leadership from NIH, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NIH Director will serve as Chairman of the Task Force.

Furthermore, the Task Force will work closely with the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to produce regular recommendations focused on:

The development, promotion, and refinement of childhood vaccines have resulted in fewer and less severe adverse reactions compared to those vaccines currently on the market.

Improvements in vaccine development, production, distribution, and adverse reaction reporting — along with supporting research to make vaccines safer.

HHS stated it intends to publish its first formal report to Congress within two years, with updates every two years thereafter.

As of August 7, 2025, the U.S. CDC publishes the current vaccination schedule for pediatrics.

Regarding children traveling abroad to disease-risk areas, the CDC publishes Travel Health Notices to inform travelers about global health risks during outbreaks and to offer advice about actions, such as vaccinations, that travelers can take to prevent infection.

Additionally, travel vaccine experts are available at certified clinics and pharmacies throughout the USA.