AAP

AAP breaks from CDC with new vaccine schedule for kids

August 20, 2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released its own evidence-based immunization schedule for children and adolescents, diverging from recent federal guidance and reaffirming its commitment to science-driven pediatric care. This move follows controversial decisions at the federal level, including the removal of COVID-19 vaccines from routine recommendations and the appointment of anti-vaccine figures to CDC’s advisory committee.

Key highlights from the new AAP schedule:

• COVID-19 vaccination
  Universal recommendation for infants 6 to 23 months, regardless of prior infection or vaccination status.Single-dose recommendation for children 2 to 18 years in high-risk groups or whose families desire protection.These recommendations contrast with CDC’s removal of routine COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children.
• RSV immunization
  Two monoclonal antibodies now recommended for infants <8 months:
  Clesrovimab (Enflonsia) – newly FDA-approved, shown to reduce RSV hospitalizations by 84%.Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) – continued use for infants and high-risk toddlers entering their second RSV season.
  Palivizumab (Synagis) is no longer routinely recommended and will be removed from the market.
• HPV vaccine
  Start age lowered to 9 to 12 years, emphasizing early protection and improved uptake.
• Pentavalent meningococcal vaccine
  New GSK vaccine (Penmenvy) added to protect against both MenACWY and MenB strains.
• Flu vaccine
  AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination for all children aged 6 months and older, unless contraindicated.The schedule includes updated formulations for the 2025–26 season, with an emphasis on timely administration before peak flu activity.
• Hepatitis B vaccine
  PreHevbrio has been discontinued and removed from the schedule.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics. The American Academy of Pediatrics releases its own evidence-based immunization schedule. August 19, 2025. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2025/the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-releases-its-own-evidence-based-immunization-schedule/.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025, August 19). Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger. AAP Red Book Online. https://publications.aap.org/redbook/resources/15585/AAP-Immunization-Schedule