The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, which continues to recommend routine protection against 18 diseases. The AAP’s schedule differs from the CDC’s schedule, which was recently downsized. Sean O’Leary, MD, MPH, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, and colleagues noted in a policy statement published in Pediatrics that, “At this time, the AAP no longer endorses
the recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We’re going to publish vaccine recommendations that are based on scientific evidence and that are in the best interest of children.” A dozen other major medical and healthcare organizations supported the AAP’s schedule.
