August 24, 2025 - MADERA, Calif. – In preparation for an increase in respiratory illnesses in the fall, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated immunization recommendations for children and adolescents this week. In doing so, the group broke from recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Related: American Academy of Pediatrics Releases Its Own Evidence-Based Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents from Birth to Age 18, Say, Pediatricians Know How Important Routine Childhood Immunizations Are In Keeping Children and Families Healthy

“As a pediatrician, our role is to help parents keep their children safe and healthy. Vaccines play a vital role in that mission, and the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics is meant to support families in making the best choices for their kids,” said Dr. Hailey Nelson with Valley Children’s Healthcare.

Published on Tuesday, the 2025 “Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule” includes new guidance for influenza, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines, along with updates for other routine immunizations.

The schedule is intended for children from birth through age 18.

“By talking with your pediatrician and keeping your child up to date on vaccines, you’re giving them the protection they need to thrive—so they can be in school learning, playing, and growing to their fullest potential,” said Dr. Nelson.

RELATED: As School Starts, Doctors Urge Parents to Prioritize Vaccinations

The recommendations come amid changes to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which was restructured this year and now includes individuals with a history of spreading vaccine misinformation, according to a news release from the AAP.

“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.

COVID-19 Guidance

The AAP now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children ages 6 through 23 months, citing continued hospitalization and death among kids. Children under age 2 should be prioritized unless they have a known allergy to the vaccine, the AAP says.

For ages 2 through 18, the AAP recommends a single dose of the most current COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk individuals and the unvaccinated.

“We extensively reviewed the most recently available data about COVID-19 risks in kids, as well as safety and effectiveness of available COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases. “It’s clear they are very safe for all populations.”

RSV and Influenza Guidance

The AAP recommends RSV immunization for infants younger than 8 months entering their first season if their pregnant parent did not receive the vaccine, and for high-risk toddlers entering their second season.

Annual flu vaccines are advised for all children ages 6 months and older. The 2024-2025 season saw 267 pediatric deaths, nearly half in children without underlying conditions. Most deaths historically occur in unvaccinated children.

To learn more about the AAP’s recommended schedule and view recommended immunizations by age, click here.

Source: Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, CA.