The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided vaccine recommendations and published its own vaccine schedule for nearly 100 years.
But it has not traditionally diverged from federal recommendations until now.
The organization and the CDC have issued different guidelines for kids and the COVID vaccine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued new guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for children.
American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Susan Kressly said, “At the academy, we always start with what is in the best interest of the health of children?”
The AAP recommends that all children aged 6 months to 23 months receive a COVID-19 vaccine, unless they’re allergic to it.
A single dose is also recommended for individuals aged two and above who fall into certain risk groups.
“Pediatricians around the country stand ready to do whatever is needed to keep our children safe,” Kressly said.
The CDC guidance says the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children ages six months to 17 years should be “Based on shared clinical decision-making.”
“If the pediatricians are saying one thing but our health secretary is saying another, these are real challenges that we are facing right now. And I have them. They’re going to negatively impact vaccination rates for this fall,” said Kedren Community Health Center Dr. Jerry P. Abraham.
Many public health experts are concerned that the conflict will also affect the number of kids being vaccinated for other diseases, including measles.
“We can’t undervalue how important vaccines have been,” Abraham said. “If we’re not careful, we may be rolling back the clock in a harmful way.”
“It’s OK to hesitate and ask questions. Let’s get you all the information you feel, or you need in order to make the right choice for you and your family,” Abraham said.
Other changes may impact access to COVID vaccines this fall.
The FDA has stated that it may limit future COVID shots to older individuals and those at high risk for severe infection, and may not renew authorization for Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for children under the age of five.