The American Academy of Pediatrics released its latest vaccine recommendations on Tuesday. This includes Covid-19 shots for infants and toddlers.
“This differs from the recent recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which were overhauled this year and replaced by individuals with a history of spreading vaccine misinformation,” AAP said in a news release.
Current CDC recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 17 are “based on shared clinical decisions,” the agency said.
AAP recommendations are more explicit. All children between 6 and 23 months of age should receive the Covid-19 vaccine unless they know their allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients. We also recommend a single dose of vaccine for children ages 2 to 18 if you are at high risk for Covid-19, residents of long-term care facilities, have never been vaccinated against Covid-19, or live with people at high risk for Covid-19. He also states that vaccines should be made available to this age group, even if they are in these risk groups.
Despite these recommendations, access to vaccines can be difficult in the fall. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says future Covid-19 shots will be restricted to elderly people and people at high risk of serious infections, and may not renew Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine permits for children under the age of five.
AAP has also issued updated recommendations for RSV and influenza vaccines, in addition to more than 10 other vaccines.
“AAP continues to provide vaccination recommendations that are rooted in science and that provide the greatest benefits to the health of infants, children and adolescents,” AAP President Dr. Susan J. Cresley said in a news release. “Pediatricians know how important daily childhood vaccinations are to help children, families and their communities to ensure healthy and prosperous.”
