Introduction to the New COVID Vaccine Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations that differ from those of the U.S. government. This divergence marks the first time in 30 years that the AAP has substantially diverged from U.S. government vaccine recommendations.
Background on the AAP and CDC Recommendations
The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots are also advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated. This advice contrasts with the guidance established under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which does not recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but allows kids to get the shots in consultation with physicians.
Differences in Recommendations
Children ages 6 months to 2 years are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and the AAP believes it is essential that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are also recommended for older children who have chronic lung diseases or other conditions that put them at higher risk for severe disease.
Response from the Department of Health and Human Services
In a statement, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said that the AAP is undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks. He accused the group of putting commercial interests ahead of public health, noting that vaccine manufacturers have been donors to the AAP’s Friends of Children Fund.
History of AAP and CDC Recommendations
The 95-year-old AAP has issued vaccination recommendations for children since the 1930s. In 1995, it synced its advice with recommendations made by the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While there have been a few small differences between AAP and CDC recommendations since then, this is the first time the recommendations have differed in a significant or substantial way.
Recent Changes in CDC Recommendations
Until recently, the CDC had been urging annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. However, in May, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. A few days later, the CDC issued language that healthy children may get the shots, but that there was no longer a “should” recommendation.
Implications of the New Recommendations
The idea that healthy older kids may be able to skip COVID-19 boosters has been brewing for some time among public health experts. As the COVID-19 pandemic has waned, experts have increasingly discussed the possibility of focusing vaccination efforts on people 65 and older — who are among those most at risk for death and hospitalization.
CDC Expert Panel and Vaccine Recommendations
A CDC expert panel in June was set to make recommendations about the fall shots. Among the options the panel was considering was whether to suggest shots for high-risk groups but still giving lower-risk people the choice to get vaccinated. However, Kennedy bypassed the group and decided to dismiss the 17-member panel and appoint his own, smaller panel, which included vaccine skeptics.
Conclusion
The new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the AAP differ from those of the U.S. government, highlighting the ongoing debate and confusion surrounding vaccination policies. The AAP’s recommendations emphasize the importance of vaccinating children ages 6 months to 2 years and older children with chronic conditions, while the U.S. government’s guidance does not recommend the shots for healthy children of any age.
FAQs
Q: What are the new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the AAP?
A: The AAP strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years and advises shots for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated.
Q: How do the AAP’s recommendations differ from those of the U.S. government?
A: The U.S. government’s guidance does not recommend the shots for healthy children of any age, while the AAP recommends vaccination for children ages 6 months to 2 years and older children with chronic conditions.
Q: Why has the AAP diverged from the U.S. government’s recommendations?
A: The AAP believes that its recommendations are necessary to protect children from severe illness from COVID-19, while the U.S. government’s guidance has become increasingly confusing and has been influenced by vaccine skeptics.
Q: What are the implications of the new recommendations for vaccination policies?
A: The new recommendations highlight the ongoing debate and confusion surrounding vaccination policies and may lead to further discussion and revision of vaccination guidelines.
