On Jan. 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said “shared clinical decision-making” would be used for pediatric vaccines against rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis A and B, and meningococcal disease.

But most Americans are confused by the idea of shared clinical decision-making, according to data from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC), which asked adults about the term in two separate surveys in August and December of last year. The polls were conducted in light of the CDC’s decision to move COVID-19 vaccines to a shared clinical decision-making model, which resulted in low uptake and confusion at pharmacies and clinics across the country.

According to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), shared clinical decision-making consists of a discussion between the health care provider and the patient or parent/guardian. “Unlike routine, catch-up, and risk-based recommendations, shared clinical decision-making vaccinations are not recommended for everyone in a particular age group or everyone in an identifiable risk group,” the ACIP stated. Following the CDC’s announcement yesterday, several states and counties issued statements concerning vaccine access and recommendations. States make the final decisions about school vaccine requirements.