By Organ Mountain News on Aug 13, 2026

New Mexico says childhood vaccine recommendations will remain unchanged

New Mexico health officials say the state will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations and continue using the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule as a guide.

A health care worker administers a vaccine. The New Mexico Department of Health says it will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations despite a federal push to reduce the number of recommended vaccines. (Ed Us / Unsplash)

The Department of Health says it will continue recommending the full childhood immunization schedule despite a federal push to reduce the number of recommended vaccines

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - New Mexico health officials say the state will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations despite a federal push to reduce the number of vaccines recommended for children.

The New Mexico Department of Health said Wednesday that it will continue supporting access to the full vaccination schedule for parents and guardians who choose to vaccinate their children.

The department said President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday calling for reducing the number of recommended childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11 and changing the schedule for when and how some vaccines are administered.

“Our message remains the same: the science is clear — vaccines are safe, effective and save children’s lives,” Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH, said.

NMDOH said it will continue encouraging parents and caregivers to discuss vaccination decisions with their health care providers and use the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule as a guide.

The department pointed to rising measles cases nationally and the approaching flu season in urging families to remain current on recommended vaccinations.

Childhood vaccinations remain covered through the federal Vaccines for Children Program, Medicaid and private insurance, according to NMDOH.

New Mexicans seeking vaccinations or information about vaccine safety can contact their health care provider, call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 or text questions to 66364.

Keep Reading

13-year-old sentenced to two years in CYFD custody in Chris Carnero shooting death — A 13-year-old was sentenced after pleading no contest in the March shooting death of 13-year-old Chris Carnero in Las Cruces.

Assisted living grows more complex. Safeguards fall short. — A New Mexico In Depth investigation found gaps in staffing, training, inspections and transparency, including documented problems at Desert Peaks in Las Cruces.

Advocacy group asks NMED to toss Project Jupiter air permit application — New Energy Economy is asking state regulators to dismiss Project Jupiter’s air permit application, arguing the project’s proposed natural gas supply remains unauthorized.