COVID vaccinations recommended for infants and toddlers by the American Academy of Pediatrics, clashing with the stance of RFK Jr.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that children ages 6 months to 23 months receive a COVID-19 vaccine, emphasising the importance of protecting this age group due to their higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness[1][3][4][5]. In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has adopted a more personalised, shared decision-making model for healthy children in this age group[1][2].
The AAP's recommendation is based on extensive review of scientific data showing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in this age group, as well as on evidence that hospitalisation rates for young children remain significant. The AAP prioritises direct, strong vaccination recommendations for the youngest children due to their vulnerability and the clear vaccine benefit, emphasising population-wide protection[1][3][4].
On the other hand, the CDC's approach is more cautious, reflecting federal policy changes and a more conservative stance on universal vaccination for this group. The CDC's guidance leaves the decision to vaccinate healthy children to parents and physicians, particularly because of evolving COVID risks and vaccine policy[1][2].
Both organisations agree on vaccinating children at high risk of severe COVID or those in close contact with vulnerable individuals, but the AAP’s stance is more proactive for all children under 2 years old[1][3][4]. The AAP's recommendations are part of its annual childhood immunization schedule, which includes guidance for COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines for those aged 18 and younger[6].
It's worth noting that the CDC's initial guidance, announced in late May, was for everyone aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated against COVID with the most up-to-date shot. However, under the purview of Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC later updated its guidance to a "shared clinical decision-making" model, leaving the decision to vaccinate children to parents alongside advice from a doctor[7].
The AAP asserts that the COVID-19 vaccine can protect against serious illness in this age group, and Dr. Kressly, the AAP's president, has been having continuing conversations with major payers to ensure that vaccines are available for children whose vaccines are paid for through commercial insurance.
In a rare occurrence, the AAP's recommendations differ from those put out by the CDC. Insurers often rely on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations to determine what vaccines they will and won't cover. However, if certain vaccines aren't recommended by the ACIP, parents or guardians may face out-of-pocket costs if their children receive the shot[8]. It's important to note that the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, a federally funded program that provides no-cost vaccines to eligible children, may not cover the COVID-19 vaccine[8].
Dr. Kressly emphasised that the AAP's clear and confident guidance is especially important in the current environment of misinformation, and she mentioned that children in this age group who were not exposed to COVID viruses during the pandemic should be protected as best as possible[2].
[1] - CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination [2] - AAP Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccination [3] - AAP Statements on COVID-19 Vaccination for Children [4] - AAP Policy Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination for Children [5] - AAP Policy Statement on COVID-19 and Children [6] - AAP Childhood Immunization Schedule [7] - CDC Updates COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance [8] - Vaccines for Children Program
