I am a concerned Indiana resident writing to you about the recent changes to the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule and the possibility that Indiana may adjust its own policies in response.

While federal recommendations have changed, the underlying science supporting childhood vaccination has not. Routine childhood immunizations are backed by decades of research and monitoring. At this time, there is no new scientific consensus warranting changes to long-standing, evidence-based school immunization requirements.

Indiana’s school vaccine requirements play a vital role in protecting children, schools, and communities from outbreaks of preventable diseases. Any changes to these requirements, particularly in the absence of new scientific evidence, could increase the risk of disease outbreaks, create confusion for families and health care providers, and erode trust in public health decisions.

With outbreaks of measles and whooping cough spreading, maintaining stable, science-driven immunization policies is more critical than ever. School immunization requirements are among the most effective public health tools we have.

I urge you to continue supporting strong, science-based policies that protect Indiana’s children and their futures.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to protecting Hoosiers' health.