New Vaccine Recommendations from AAP Differ from CDC
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made headlines on Monday by issuing its own set of recommendations for childhood vaccinations, diverging notably from the guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month.
The AAP advocates for immunization against 18 diseases, which include RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease. In contrast, the CDC has scaled back its recommendations to just 11 diseases.
AAP President Andrew Racine emphasized in a statement that the organization will provide immunization recommendations grounded in scientific evidence, aimed at safeguarding the health of infants, children, and adolescents in the U.S.
Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician associated with Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, mentioned on “CBS Evening News” that the AAP’s recommendations largely maintain the vaccines that have been advised for many years. She stated, “There are no changes to the old vaccine schedule based on what the AAP is currently recommending.”
Both the AAP and CDC agree on the importance of vaccinating children against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, as well as others like measles and varicella (chickenpox). Some injections, like the MMR vaccine, protect against multiple diseases at once.
The CDC suggests that only children considered at high risk should receive vaccines for diseases like RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and various meningococcal strains. The AAP, however, still recommends these vaccines for all children except for the dengue shot, which is advised only for specific older children in endemic regions and those previously infected, especially since its distribution in the U.S. ended last year due to low demand.
Additionally, the CDC has indicated that parents of children not classified as high-risk should consult their physicians about vaccinating against COVID-19, influenza, and other diseases, rather than following a straightforward directive.
Kravitz stressed the importance of collaboration with pediatricians, saying, “We want to help eliminate confusion for families. Bring us your questions—we’re going to adhere to AAP guidelines while keeping communication open.”
The AAP criticized the CDC’s recent guidance as “dangerous and unnecessary.” Historically, the AAP collaborated with the CDC to create a unified vaccination schedule. However, the AAP asserts that recent modifications to the CDC’s immunization guidelines stray from established medical evidence and do not optimally protect children’s health.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the CDC, defended its updated childhood schedule, asserting it maintains protection against serious diseases while aligning U.S. practices with international standards. They pledged to work with states and healthcare providers to ensure families have reliable information for informed decision-making.
Kravitz mentioned that insurance will continue to cover vaccines that the CDC no longer recommends, such as those for influenza and COVID-19. “Parents should still have the option to opt for these vaccines, and insurance should cover them as long as parents request them,” she noted.
The CDC’s recent changes followed a controversial recommendation made in December regarding the hepatitis B vaccine, which for over three decades advised administering the first dose within 24 hours of birth. A newly appointed advisory panel proposed delaying this dose until children are two months old for those born to mothers who test negative for the virus.
In a recent interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has critiqued vaccines, affirmed that no one would be denied access to vaccines. He added that while insurance would still cover vaccinations, a consultation with a physician is now necessary before administering the flu vaccine, suggesting there might be a benefit in fewer individuals receiving it.
