Vaccination and Immunization

Independent review of hundreds of studies finds flu vaccine 80% effective against pediatric death; RSV and maternal immunization cut infant hospitalizations.

AAP guidance expands RSV immunization eligibility for children aged 8 through 19 months at high risk of severe disease.

Navigate back-to-school vaccine requirements, evidence, and FAQs—plus the latest measles data and new pneumococcal options for pediatric practice.

Executive order seeks to trim routine childhood vaccines, split combination shots, and push parent-doctor decisions—sparking debate as measles surges.

A 173-mother cohort study found parenting role models—not income alone—drove the link between maternal education and COVID-19 vaccination intent.

US measles cases have climbed to 2,318 in 2026, already exceeding all of 2025 and marking the country's highest annual total since 1991, as CDC data show falling MMR coverage continuing to fuel outbreaks.

A 2-million-infant Swedish registry study found intramuscular vitamin K nonreceipt rose over 19 years and nearly tripled the odds of intracranial bleeding by 6 months.

A 10-year King County study found MMRV was the first vaccine for 15% of children who were disproportionately Hispanic, Black, or VFC eligible.

New research using a natural experiment design found consistent reductions in diagnosed influenza among vaccinated young children in every season studied from 2016 to 2023.

French data suggest dual RSV immunization with RSVpreF and nirsevimab was associated with low infant RSV hospitalization rates.

Modeling data suggest removing universal hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination could increase neonatal and chronic HBV infections in US infants.

The review found no credible evidence linking HPV vaccination to serious adverse pregnancy outcomes or other long-term health risks.

Raising pediatric flu vaccination to 70% could significantly reduce outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and deaths, easing strain on US systems.

Maternal RSV vaccination and nirsevimab were linked to lower infection rates and reduced severity in infants younger than 6 months.

MMR coverage remained below herd immunity 20 months after an Ohio outbreak, with minimal gains and persistent disparities in children.

Get caught up with Contemporary Pediatrics. This list helps you navigate our top stories from the week, all in one place.

A study found that hepatitis B virus birth dose vaccination rates fell from 83.5% in early 2023 to 73.2% by August 2025.

A study found that a nirsevimab immunization program reduced RSV-related hospitalizations by 85.9% in the first season and 55.3% in the second.

A study found that nonmedical childhood vaccine exemptions have increased significantly across US counties since 2010.

The AAP released its 2026 childhood immunization schedule, maintaining evidence-based vaccine recommendations and expanding guidance across routine, catch-up, and risk-based care.

Get caught up with Contemporary Pediatrics! This list helps you navigate our top stories from the week, all in one place.

Pertussis often presents as a prolonged cold, especially in infants. Early recognition, treatment, and vaccination are key to reducing severe disease and spread.

Starting HPV vaccination earlier improves access, builds trust with families, and increases uptake before virus exposure to prevent cancer.

Experts say recent CDC vaccine schedule changes may complicate clinician–family communication without altering the underlying evidence supporting pediatric vaccination.

Maternal influenza and TDaP vaccination during pregnancy was associated with fewer influenza- and pertussis-related hospital and ED visits in infants younger than 6 months.