CDC adopts revised vaccine recommendations

On Oct. 6, the CDC revised its immunization schedule guidance on vaccines for COVID-19 and measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).

Breaking with past guidance that recommended all individuals 6 months and older receive COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC now recommends shared clinical decision-making between providers and patients. 

“[T]he clinical decision to vaccinate should be based on patient characteristics that, unlike age, are difficult to incorporate in recommendations, including risk factors for the underlying disease as well as the characteristics of the vaccine itself and the best available evidence of who may benefit from vaccination,” the CDC said in an Oct. 6 statement. 

For MMR and varicella vaccines, the agency said toddlers should receive their second varicella vaccine as a standalone shot rather than in combination with MMR vaccination. About 85% of children already receive separate vaccinations, according to NPR.  

The changes align with recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which voted in mid-September to change COVID-19 and MMRV vaccine guidance. 

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