AAP Tart CDC guidance with Covid -vaccine recommendation for children
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently changed its recommendation regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is taking a different stance. In their newest annual immunization schedule, the AAP now includes vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV for children.
According to the AAP, babies and children aged 6 to 23 months are at the highest risk of serious COVID-19 complications. Therefore, they are recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for all children in this age group to help protect against severe illness.
The AAP also suggests a “single-dose suitable COVID-19 vaccine” for children and teenagers who are at high risk of serious COVID-19, have not been previously vaccinated, and live with individuals who are at high risk. They also recommend the vaccine for children aged 2-18 who do not fall into these risk groups but whose parents or guardians request it for added protection.
Dr. Sean O’Leary, Chairman of the AAP, explained that the decision to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy older children was based on the high hospitalization rates for young children and those with underlying medical conditions.
In contrast to the AAP’s recommendations, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in May 2025 that COVID-19 would be removed from the CDC’s routine immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. The CDC now advises a “shared clinical decision-making” approach, where parents and doctors discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Marc Siegel, Senior Medical Analyst at FOX News, supports the COVID-19 vaccine for children at high risk, stating that the benefits outweigh the risks. He emphasized the importance of individualized decision-making based on the child’s health and the current COVID-19 situation.
The AAP’s updated vaccine schedule includes immunizations for 18 diseases recommended for children from birth to 18 years. The organization noted that their recommendations differ from those of the CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed his disagreement with the AAP’s guidelines, emphasizing the importance of public interest and alignment with government recommendations.
For more health articles and updates, visit www.foxnews.com/Health.
Fox News Digital reached out to the AAP for further comments on their vaccine recommendations.
Melissa Rudy, Senior Health Editor and member of the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, can be contacted at melissa.rudy@fox.com for story tips.
