Overview
- The American Academy of Pediatrics published its 2025 schedule recommending COVID-19 vaccination for all children 6–23 months, with vaccination for older children in risk groups or at parental request.
- Federal guidance under HHS now frames shots for healthy children as a parental–clinician choice and no longer recommends routine vaccination for that group.
- The AAP cites CDC data showing children under 2 have the highest pediatric COVID-19 hospitalization rates, with risk for ages 6–23 months comparable to adults 50–64.
- Practical access remains uncertain as the FDA has not approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for otherwise healthy young children and the revamped ACIP has not issued pediatric recommendations.
- The AAP and other medical groups sued HHS in July over policy changes and are urging insurers to cover vaccines in its schedule, with the industry’s trade group signaling continued payment for respiratory virus vaccines this season.