American Academy of Pediatrics' New Vaccine Guidelines Break With CDC

As families get ready for back-to-school and the usual wave of fall illnesses, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released an updated childhood immunization schedule. The new guidance includes updates for RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines and—unlike in past years—differs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents,” AAP President Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, said in the August 19 update. These guidelines differ from recent recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC, which "was overhauled this year and replaced with individuals who have a history of spreading vaccine misinformation.”

The new schedule comes during a tumultuous time at the CDC. In May, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested removing children’s COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule and dismissed several members of the agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. He later appointed new committee members, a move that has drawn criticism from some health professionals.

What the AAP Recommends for the “Big Three” Respiratory Illnesses

RSV

• Infants younger than 8 months should receive immunization if they are born during or entering their first RSV season and the pregnant parent did not receive the RSV vaccine (or if vaccination status is unknown, or the baby was born less than 14 days after vaccination).
• Infants and children ages 8–19 months who are at high risk of severe RSV (including those with chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, or immunocompromise) should be immunized if they are entering their second RSV season.

Influenza

• All children ages 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot, unless medically exempt.

COVID-19

• Strongly recommended for all children ages 6–23 months to help protect against serious illness.
• Recommended for children ages 2–18 at higher risk (such as those with underlying conditions, living in congregate settings, or with unvaccinated household members).
• The vaccine should also remain available to children ages 2–18 outside these risk groups if parents or guardians want added protection.

How The New Guidance Breaks with CDC Reccomendations

The most noticeable difference between the AAP and CDC comes with the COVID-19 vaccination. While the AAP supports broad access for children and teens, the latest CDC communication recommends the vaccine for adults while only vaguely suggesting that “parents of children ages 6 months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider.”

While the questions of how and when to vaccinate your child should be discussed with your doctor, professional health organizations, including the AAP and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have raised concerns around the CDC’s vague language. They caution that without clear recommendations, insurance providers may be able to deny coverage, which could limit access for families who want the vaccine for their children.

“The AAP urges every insurer to cover all the vaccines that are included in this immunization schedule,” Dr. Kressly stressed. “AAP is committed to working with our partners at the local, state and federal levels to make sure every child, in every community has access to vaccines.”

The new guidance also incorporates recent changes for the pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, adjusts the starting age for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and removes a hepatitis vaccine that is no longer available.

You can learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines for babies and toddlers and see all the new AAP vaccine updates at AAP.org.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.