BOSTON — Routine vaccine visits for many American children may be disappearing as clinicians and parents interpret updated federal vaccine guidance in different ways, according to new research released by ZoomRx.
The report, titled “Impact of Shared Clinical Decision-Making on Pediatric Vaccine Workflows,” examined how pediatric healthcare professionals and caregivers are responding to a January 5, 2026 policy update from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that moved six vaccines from routine recommendation status to shared clinical decision-making.
The vaccines affected include influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal and COVID-19. Under shared clinical decision-making, clinicians and families jointly determine whether vaccination is appropriate based on individual circumstances.
ZoomRx surveyed 50 pediatric healthcare professionals and 50 caregivers across the United States, finding that the shift is reshaping how vaccination discussions occur in pediatric visits.
Among clinicians, 70 percent said they expect to spend more time explaining disease severity when discussing vaccines covered under the shared decision-making framework, while 52 percent anticipate having to counter increased misinformation from social media. Nearly half of clinicians surveyed, 48 percent, expressed concern that the updated guidance may signal to parents that vaccination is optional.
Parents and caregivers, however, are interpreting the change differently. According to the study, 68 percent of caregivers see the shared decision-making designation as a form of personalized medical guidance rather than a signal that vaccines are optional.
The survey also revealed a gap in awareness of the updated vaccination schedule. While 82 percent of pediatric healthcare professionals said they were familiar with the new guidance, only 38 percent of caregivers reported the same level of awareness.
“It adds probably, on average, at least two or three minutes per visit for each child… the problem is I don’t have any more time — so it’s straining my time,” said a pediatric healthcare professional in community practice who participated in the study.
ZoomRx’s findings suggest that mandated vaccines such as DTaP, polio and MMR remain firmly embedded in routine care due to school entry requirements. Other vaccines, including rotavirus and meningococcal, are generally accepted when supported by targeted messaging.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, however, now require the most extensive conversations during visits, according to the research. As both vaccines are administered annually and in large volumes, the shift may significantly change how pediatric vaccination demand develops over time.
The study also highlighted what researchers described as a communication gap between clinicians and caregivers. While many clinicians believe shared clinical decision-making could reinforce safety concerns or vaccine hesitancy, the research suggests caregivers are more receptive to individualized recommendations than clinicians assume.
ZoomRx said this gap presents a challenge for vaccine manufacturers and public health stakeholders seeking to maintain vaccination rates.
“The SCDM reclassification has shifted significant commercial risk to vaccine manufacturers — and our data shows HCPs are feeling the strain while caregivers arrive with an information gap manufacturers can help close,” said Varsha Sundaram, Product Lead at ZoomRx.
The study was conducted between Jan. 28 and Feb. 2, 2026 using a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with pediatric healthcare professionals and caregivers who were screened for pediatric expertise and active involvement in vaccination decisions. The company noted that the findings are based on a limited sample and are not intended to predict future outcomes.
