The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released its 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, continuing its guidance for routine vaccinations protecting against 18 serious diseases. However, in a notable shift, the organization has formally withdrawn its endorsement of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated vaccine recommendations.
The new AAP guidelines, which remain largely consistent with the academy’s August 2025 recommendations, diverge sharply from the CDC’s newly revised schedule. Earlier this month, the CDC significantly reduced the list of recommended childhood vaccines, a move that has drawn concern from health professionals nationwide.
“At this time, the AAP no longer endorses the recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule from the CDC,” said Sean O’Leary, MD, MPH, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, in a policy statement published in Pediatrics. “We will continue to publish vaccine guidance rooted in scientific evidence and focused on what’s best for children.”
Dr. O’Leary emphasized that the AAP’s decisions are grounded in medical science, not political influence. “As pediatricians, our sole purpose is to keep children healthy. That’s the foundation of every policy we create,” he said.
The 2026 AAP schedule continues to recommend immunizations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) noting the approval of a second monoclonal antibody for infants along with vaccines for hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, influenza, and meningococcal disease. In contrast, the CDC’s downsized list has reduced emphasis on several of these vaccines, a change that experts warn could increase preventable disease risks among children.
O’Leary highlighted the continued importance of flu vaccination, especially following a particularly severe flu season. “We recommend the influenza vaccine for everyone six months and older,” he said. “Last season saw 289 pediatric deaths, the highest in over 15 years and this season is already proving challenging.”
Calling the AAP’s recommendations “the standard of care,” O’Leary noted they reflect the best available evidence and carry broad professional support. The guidelines have been endorsed by 12 major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Infectious Diseases Society of America.
AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, expressed concern over the CDC’s revisions, emphasizing that the medical community remains united behind evidence-based vaccination standards to safeguard children’s health.
