
News|Articles|January 26, 2026
AAP publishes 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule
Author(s)Morgan Ebert, Executive Editor
Fact checked by: Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor, Justin Mancini
The AAP released its 2026 childhood immunization schedule, maintaining evidence-based vaccine recommendations and expanding guidance across routine, catch-up, and risk-based care.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States 2026, reaffirming routine immunization to protect infants, children, and adolescents against 18 vaccine-preventable diseases. The schedule continues long-standing AAP guidance for vaccines targeting conditions such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, measles, and pertussis.1,2
Related to this article

This FAQ breaks down the AAP's newest COVID-19, RSV, and influenza recommendations for clinicians who want a quick refresher on what changed for the 2026-2027 season.

The AAP's 2026-2027 policy recommends universal vaccination for infants 6-23 months and a risk-based single dose for children 2-18 years.

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

XOCOVA gives pediatricians a new oral option to help prevent COVID-19 after exposure in adolescents aged 12 years and older.

Five rapid developments — new mRNA flu vaccine, CDC director, ACIP/NVAC charters, a vaccine order, and an HHS RFI — roil the 2026 schedule.

Court fight over CDC 2026 childhood vaccine schedule shifts shots to shared decision-making; experts warn lower uptake for Hep A, B, flu, COVID.

New evidence supports influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations for reducing severe respiratory illness and hospitalization.
Advertisement
Advertisement

