The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated vaccine recommendations Tuesday, advising Covid-19 shots for infants and young children. The guidance differs from current recommendations by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasize case-by-case decision-making.
American Academy of Pediatrics Broader Use of Covid-19 Vaccines in Children
The AAP’s new schedule states that all children ages 6 through 23 months should receive a Covid-19 vaccine unless they have a known allergy to the vaccine or its components. For children ages 2 through 18 years, the organization recommends a single dose if they are at higher risk for severe illness, live in long-term care facilities, have never been vaccinated, or share a household with individuals at increased risk.
Unlike current CDC guidance, which leaves vaccination decisions up to discussions between families and providers, the AAP explicitly recommends that vaccines also be made available to children who are not considered high risk. This broader approach reflects the organization’s emphasis on prevention and accessibility.
“The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents,” said AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly.
Importance of Covid-19 Vaccination in Pediatric Care
Pediatric experts note that while children often experience milder Covid-19 infections than adults, young children—especially infants and toddlers—remain vulnerable to serious outcomes. Covid-19 has been linked to complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), prolonged symptoms, and hospitalization, particularly among those with underlying health conditions.
Vaccination, according to the AAP, provides an added layer of protection by reducing the risk of severe illness and helping to limit community spread. The group also emphasized that including Covid-19 shots in pediatric schedules normalizes their use alongside long-established vaccines for illnesses such as measles, polio, and whooping cough.
“The Academy has been making vaccine recommendations for over 90 years, and we remain committed to supporting children’s access to vaccines,” Kressly said. “Our recommendations are based only on science, the needs of children, and the care that pediatricians provide in every community.”
Supporting Families and Providers Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season
The timing of the updated schedule comes as pediatricians prepare for the annual surge in respiratory illnesses, including flu and RSV. The American Academy of Pediatrics stressed that updated vaccine schedules are designed not only to protect individual children but also to reduce the strain on pediatric hospitals, which often face high patient loads during the colder months.
To ensure access, the AAP urged insurance providers to cover all vaccines included in its schedule. Broader insurance coverage, the group said, helps eliminate financial barriers for families and ensures equitable protection across communities.
“AAP created its vaccine schedule based on the health of children and the evidence showing how vaccines support their immune systems, so they can stay healthy and do all the things we want children to be able to do,” Kressly noted.
Along with Covid-19 guidance, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued updates for flu, RSV, and more than a dozen other vaccines, underscoring the importance of comprehensive immunization in maintaining children’s health year-round.
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