Top 5 pediatric health headlines you missed in October 2025

October 2025 brought new insights and policy shifts with direct implications for pediatric prevention, infectious disease management, and early risk assessment.

In this monthly recap, Contemporary Pediatrics reviews the most significant developments shaping pediatric practice and public health. Click each title below for full coverage.

1. IDSA recommends use of scoring systems to guide testing for group A streptococcal pharyngitis

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) released updated clinical guidelines for diagnosing group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis—the first major revision since 2012—highlighting the use of validated clinical scoring systems to guide testing. Published in October 2025, the update recommends tools like the Centor or McIsaac criteria to identify patients at low risk of GAS and reduce unnecessary throat swabs and antibiotic use. This marks a shift from the previous emphasis on universal testing. While treatment recommendations were deferred to future updates, the current guidance reinforces antibiotic stewardship and supports evidence-based diagnostic strategies for both adults and children over age 3.

2. Combination vaccines: Can fewer shots mean better outcomes?

Combination vaccines remain a cornerstone of pediatric immunization strategies more than 25 years after the AAP’s initial endorsement, with continued benefits in efficiency, adherence, and access. A recent update highlights the availability of 17 FDA-licensed vaccines that protect against multiple organisms or strains, including newer options like the pentavalent meningococcal vaccine introduced in 2024. These vaccines reduce the number of injections required and improve series completion rates, particularly in underserved populations. Future opportunities include combination influenza/COVID-19 vaccines and RSV/metapneumovirus formulations for children, though challenges remain in recordkeeping, adverse event management, and evolving vaccine eligibility.

3. FDA approves roflumilast cream 0.05% for atopic dermatitis for children aged 2 to 5 years

The FDA has approved roflumilast cream 0.05% (Zoryve) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 to 5 years, expanding options for nonsteroidal, topical care in this young population. Approval was based on data from the phase 3 INTEGUMENT-PED trial and long-term extension studies, which showed early and sustained efficacy, including significant improvements in itch, disease severity, and skin clearance. Over 70% of children achieved EASI-75 after long-term treatment, with favorable safety outcomes. The approval provides a new option for a condition that affects nearly 10 million children in the U.S., often beginning in early childhood.

4. Simple interventions improve pediatrician adherence to peanut allergy prevention guidelines

The iREACH Trial found that simple tools—like clinician training, electronic health record prompts, and family education—significantly improved pediatrician adherence to national guidelines recommending early peanut introduction to prevent peanut allergy. In a randomized study across 30 pediatric practices, adherence among clinicians treating low-risk infants rose from 35% to 84% with these interventions. The approach also improved management for high-risk infants. Researchers from Northwestern University and Lurie Children’s Hospital concluded that structural supports during busy well-child visits may help reverse rising rates of food allergy through improved prevention counseling.

5. AAP, AHA update pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency cardiovascular care guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association have issued the first comprehensive update since 2020 to their pediatric and neonatal CPR and emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. Released in October 2025, the revised recommendations emphasize early recognition of cardiac arrest, a unified chain of survival for adults and children, and updated techniques for airway obstruction and chest compressions. In neonates, deferred cord clamping has been extended to at least 60 seconds, and ventilation rates have been broadened to 30–60 inflations per minute. The guidance reflects the latest evidence and reinforces the unique resuscitation needs of infants and children across settings.