Pediatricians' Group Recommends COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children, Diverging from CDC Guidelines

In a significant shift, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in children, which differ from those provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Historically, vaccine advice from these organizations has been closely aligned for over three decades. However, as of August 19, 2025, the AAP has published guidelines advocating for broader access to COVID-19 vaccines for children,
particularly emphasizing vaccination for those aged 6 months to 23 months and offering vaccination options for children and teens aged 2 to 18, especially those at higher risk due to underlying health conditions or living in group settings.

This new guidance suggests that all children in the 6 to 23-month age group should receive a complete vaccine series, following previous recommendations. For older children and adolescents, the AAP recommends a single dose for those deemed at higher risk, unlike the CDC's approach, which emphasizes shared clinical decision-making for children aged 6 months to 17 years. This difference stems from the recent political and institutional shifts affecting vaccine policy, including the dismissal of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which historically provided independent guidance.

The divergence is partly driven by concerns over the credibility and transparency of CDC recommendations in the current political climate, with the AAP citing independent evidence that Young children and those with certain health issues remain especially vulnerable to COVID-19, despite a decline in risk for healthier older children. The latest reviews show vaccines continue to be safe and effective, with no new safety concerns.

Implementation of these guidelines faces challenges, including potential insurance coverage issues, supply constraints, and policy differences among providers. While the AAP advocates for expanded vaccination, federal agencies and policymakers will need to decide whether to integrate these recommendations fully.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to consult their pediatricians to determine the best vaccination strategies amid ongoing changes and rising COVID-19 cases. The upcoming CDC meetings may influence future policy, but for now, the AAP's recommendations highlight a more inclusive approach to childhood COVID-19 prevention, emphasizing availability and individual choice.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-pediatricians-association-covid-vaccines-toddlers.html