Pediatrics group breaks with CDC on COVID vaccine guidance

In a departure from the CDC’s recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics said all children between 6 months and 2 years old should receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-26 virus season. 

The AAP released the recommendations Aug. 19. They differ from the CDC’s guidance published in May, which advises “shared clinical decision-making” between the clinician and parent or patient who is not immunocompromised and is 6 months to 17 years old. The AAP also recommends children ages 2-18 who are in certain risk groups receive the vaccine.

Since 1995, the AAP has synced its guidance with the CDC, with minor differences emerging occasionally, such as starting age recommendations for the HPV vaccine. This year’s guidance is the first substantial departure from the CDC’s vaccine recommendations in the last 30 years, according to ABC News. 

The AAP also recommends thimerosal be included in flu vaccines, a preservative the CDC has voted to remove in vaccine formulations.

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