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CDC Updates Childhood Vaccine Schedule: What Parents Need to Know
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Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared an updated childhood vaccine schedule.
This update recommends fewer routine vaccines (11) for some children than in past years (17). News like this can raise questions and worries for parents and caregivers. Pediatric infectious diseases expert, Ian C. Michelow, MD, explains what the change means, what has not changed, and how families can make informed decisions.
What is the CDC vaccine schedule?
The CDC vaccine schedule is a guide for clinical professionals, patients, parents and caregivers. It shows which vaccines are recommended for children at different ages. Clinicians across the country use this schedule to help protect children from serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, meningitis, polio and more.
The schedule is updated regularly as new research becomes available.
What changed in the new schedule?
The updated schedule now groups vaccines into three categories:
Recommended vaccines These are vaccines the CDC still advises for most children.
Vaccines for children at higher risk These vaccines are recommended for children who have certain health conditions or higher exposure risks.
Shared decision-making vaccines These vaccines are not routine for everyone. Instead, families are encouraged to talk with their child’s care team to decide what is best for their child.
Can my child still get vaccines? Are they still covered by insurance?
Yes. All childhood vaccines are still available. It is important to know that no vaccines were banned or removed from availability. Children still have access to all approved childhood vaccines.
Programs like:
Medicaid;
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) and;
Vaccines for Children (VFC)
will still cover vaccines if they are given. Cost and access should never prevent families from choosing vaccination.
What about school vaccine requirements?
School vaccine rules are set by each state, not by the CDC. This means:
School requirements have not automatically changed
Families should continue to follow their state and school district guidelines
If you are unsure what your child needs for school, your pediatrician or school nurse can help.
Why are pediatricians and pediatric specialists concerned?
Many of us worry that changes to the vaccine schedule could cause confusion. Some families may think vaccines are no longer safe or important. Across the country, there has recently been:
Lower vaccination rates and;
More outbreaks of preventable diseases, like measles and whooping cough
These illnesses can be very serious, especially for babies and young children—and anyone who is immunocompromised.
It is important to know that no vaccines were banned or removed from availability. Children still have access to all approved childhood vaccines.
Ian C. Michelow, MD, Infectious Diseases,
Connecticut Children's
Are vaccines still safe?
Yes. Vaccines used in the United States go through rigorous testing before being approved. Scientists continue to monitor vaccines even after they are in use.
At Connecticut Children’s, we agree that vaccines:
Protect children from serious illness;
Reduce the spread of disease in communities and;
Save lives
The safety and effectiveness of vaccines are supported by extensive research.
Can fewer shots ever make sense?
In some cases, yes. Ongoing research sometimes shows that fewer doses can work just as well as more doses. For example, recent studies found that one dose of the HPV vaccine can be as effective as two doses and healthcare providers will be changing their practice based on solid scientific evidence.
What should parents and caregivers do now? Do we need to be worried?
The most important step is to talk with your pediatrician or pediatric specialist to ease your worries. Every child is different. They can help you understand:
Which vaccines are routinely recommended for all children;
Whether your child has higher health risks for serious, vaccine-preventable infections and;
The benefits and rare risks of all vaccines
Healthcare providers are there to answer questions and educate based on what the scientific facts say, not judge decisions.
A Message for Families
It’s normal to feel unsure when recommendations change. The goal of vaccination has not changed: to keep children healthy and prevent serious disease. Doctors and researchers continue to study vaccines carefully and adjust guidance when new evidence is available. As parents, we encourage you to ask questions and seek trusted medical advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Caregivers
No. The CDC did not stop recommending vaccines. The updated schedule groups vaccines into different categories, but vaccines are still available and used by doctors to protect children from serious illnesses.
Yes. Childhood vaccines in the United States are carefully tested and closely monitored. Doctors and scientists continue to study vaccine safety and effectiveness over time.
Not necessarily. Every child is different. Some vaccines are still recommended for most children, while others should be discussed with your child’s healthcare provider. They can help you decide what is best for your child.
Yes. Doctors can still give all approved childhood vaccines. No vaccines were taken away or banned.
Yes. Programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and Vaccines for Children (VFC) will still cover childhood vaccines when they are given. Families should not lose coverage because of the updated schedule.
No. School vaccine rules are decided by each state, not by the CDC. Parents should continue to follow their state and school district requirements.
Doctors are concerned because lower vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks of serious diseases, such as measles, whooping cough and more. These illnesses can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
Shared decision-making means parents and caregivers talk with a medical professional to decide together what is best for a child. The professional explains the risks and benefits so families can make informed choices.
Yes. Vaccine guidelines change when new scientific research becomes available. The medical community relies on the expertise of researchers and rigorous scientific evidence to guide appropriate vaccine use.
Your child’s pediatrician is the best place to start. They can answer questions, explain recommendations, and help you understand your child’s health needs.
