Doctors follow AAP guidance over new federal vaccine recommendations

Many U.S. pediatricians and several states are using the American Academy of Pediatrics' vaccine guidance instead of a recently revised CDC childhood vaccine schedule; the AAP update keeps broader routine immunizations and includes a new RSV immunization.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released updated vaccine recommendations this week that many pediatricians and several states are choosing to follow instead of a newly revised U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention schedule. The AAP's update includes a new immunization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and otherwise retains broader routine immunizations. The CDC's revised schedule narrowed recommendations for some vaccines and moved flu, Covid-19 and rotavirus toward shared clinical decision-making. Key points: - The AAP's guidance continues to recommend routine immunization for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza and meningococcal disease. - The CDC's new schedule narrowed routine recommendations for meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and hepatitis B and advised shared clinical decision-making for flu, Covid-19 and rotavirus. - Twelve major medical and health organizations have formally endorsed the AAP recommendations, and many pediatricians say they will follow the AAP rather than the CDC. - KFF reported that as of January 20, 28 states were giving guidance that deviates from the CDC for some or all childhood vaccines. Summary: The divergence has produced differing guidance across clinicians and states and has prompted more questions from parents and health providers who historically relied on federal recommendations. Undetermined at this time.