With the fall respiratory season nearing and various recommendations for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations stirring confusion, a question arises: who should be vaccinated to fend off illnesses?
This month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to revise its recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine.
While these recommendations aren’t final until approved by the CDC director, it’s worth noting that the director usually aligns with ACIP’s suggestions.
So, what are the current recommendations?
Flu Shots
The advice surrounding the flu shot for children is quite uniform among leading medical organizations: kids aged 6 months and up should generally receive the vaccine.
The CDC suggests that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each season, with limited exceptions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also supports this guidance, urging all individuals 6 months and older without medical issues to get vaccinated.
For pregnant women, both the CDC and AAP recommend flu shots—specifically the injection, not the nasal spray.
It’s critical to shield children from the flu, as infections can lead to serious complications, with the CDC noting almost 200 flu-related deaths among children in the U.S. during the 2023-24 season, most of whom were eligible for vaccination but weren’t fully vaccinated.
The flu season typically kicks off in December, hitting its peak in February, so doctors advise that this is the prime time to get vaccinated. Protection takes about two weeks to develop post-vaccination.
COVID Vaccine
Recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine, however, are less clear-cut.
The CDC suggests that parents of healthy kids aged 6 months to 17 years have a discussion about potential benefits with their healthcare provider, noting that they “may receive” the vaccine but stopping short of a full recommendation. Importantly, the agency does recommend vaccination for children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
In a shift from past approaches, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a strong recommendation for children 6 months to 2 years old to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For older children, it remains at parents’ discretion, according to the AAP.
Other medical organizations are also on the same page with different recommendations compared to the CDC. For instance, the Infectious Diseases Society of America advocates for the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone aged 6 months and older.
A collective of four states on the West Coast has come together to issue recommendations that differ from the CDC’s stance. The West Coast Health Alliance advocates for the COVID vaccine for children aged 6 to 23 months, and those 2 to 18 years with risk factors or who have never been vaccinated.
This announcement came from a joint statement made by the governors of Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii, emphasizing a priority on safety over political concerns.
Meanwhile, in the Northeast, New York and neighboring states have established the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. Governor Kathy Hochul referred to it as a response to federal shifts away from science. This coalition encompasses New York state, New York City, and several surrounding states.
“Every resident will have access to the COVID vaccine, no exceptions,” Hochul stated, advocating for vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 18 years.
CDC Advisory Panel’s Proposed COVID Changes
The ACIP has seen some recent changes with new members appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism about vaccines.
In their latest meeting, the ACIP voted for individuals to make personal, informed decisions regarding COVID vaccinations, moving away from specific recommendations, which would mark a notable departure from previous guidance, particularly for high-risk children.
The anticipated updates would suggest that:
- For individuals aged 6 months to 64 years, vaccination should be based on personal choice, focusing on the benefits significantly favoring those at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine researcher, voiced concerns about this proposal, acknowledging that while it allows anyone to receive the vaccine, it also discourages uptake—even among high-risk individuals.
This inconsistency in guidance has certainly created confusion for parents.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a specialist at Johns Hopkins, predicts ongoing confusion regarding the COVID vaccine due to the panel’s recent decisions.
“There’s going to be uncertainty about whether the COVID-19 vaccine benefits them,” he stated, and noted the ongoing noise surrounding vaccine discussions.
In light of all this, Dr. Céline Gounder urges parents to maintain the course and confirm their children’s vaccinations by consulting with their healthcare provider.
