The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated their U.S. childhood vaccine schedule.
The goal of childhood vaccination has not changed: to keep children healthy and prevent disease. We’re here to support you and your family with information and to help you understand the CDC’s updated childhood vaccine schedule and your choices as a parent. Below, you’ll learn more about what’s changed, how it may impact your family, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What’s important to know
- The scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of childhood vaccines has not changed. Childhood vaccines continue to be one of the most effective life-saving tools in medicine.
- The CDC’s updates are recommendations and not mandates. Your child can still receive any vaccines that were part of the previous schedule if you choose.
- No vaccines were removed and all of the vaccines on the previous schedule are still available to your child.
Vaccines are like seatbelts
We put our children in car seats or have them buckle their seatbelts every single time we are in the car because we do not know when there will be an accident and that car seat or seatbelt will prevent injury or even death. Vaccines are similar. We use them preventatively, because it’s impossible to predict which child will be exposed to a disease and suffer serious health effects.
Just as we wouldn’t put our kids at risk in a car, having timely vaccines helps us reduce our children’s risk from the serious threats posed by infectious diseases. Delaying vaccines increases risk, especially for babies and young children who are most vulnerable.
What’s changed in the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule?
The updated CDC schedule puts vaccines into three groups:
- Vaccines that are recommended for all children.
- Vaccines that are recommended for high-risk groups and populations.
- Vaccines given based on shared clinical decision-making between families and their child’s medical provider.
All of the vaccines from the previous schedule are still available.
At Cincinnati Children’s, we believe:
At Cincinnati Children’s, we believe the previous schedule of the 17 routine childhood vaccines offers the strongest protection for children.
We understand that the CDC changes may leave you feeling unsure. We encourage you to discuss any vaccine questions with your child’s pediatrician, or a healthcare provider who knows your child and can provide your family with accurate and reliable information.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Updated Vaccine Schedule
1. Are these vaccines safe?
Yes. These vaccines have been repeatedly proven to be safe, effective, and essential for preventing serious childhood illnesses.
2. If some vaccines are now recommended for high-risk groups, can my typically healthy child still get them? Is there still benefit to my child?
Yes, your child can still get any of the vaccines that were a part of the previous schedule. They do provide benefit to healthy children.
3. Are they still covered by insurance?
For now, yes, these vaccines are still covered. We will continue to monitor this and will communicate with our patients and families if there are future coverage changes.
4. Do the new updates mean my child should skip some vaccines that we were planning to get?
No. We encourage you to strongly consider your provider’s recommendations for your child.
5. Does following the previous schedule put my child at risk?
No, we believe the opposite is true. The new schedule recommends protecting children against fewer diseases, which mathematically puts them at more risk for getting infections that are preventable. Following the previous schedule is a very safe choice.
6. Will my child still be able to attend daycare or school if they follow the new schedule?
Ohio and Kentucky school and daycare regulations have not changed as a result of the federal changes to the CDC schedule.
7. I’m expecting a new baby and don’t know if I should get Hepatitis B at birth. Should I?
Long-standing practice and research shows the best way to prevent Hepatitis B is immunization at the time of birth. We highly encourage this.
8. What should I do if I am still confused or unsure about these changes?
Please reach out to your child’s pediatrician, or a healthcare provider who knows your child and your family. Your trusted providers are ready to help answer questions and support you in protecting your child.
Excellent expert review. Thank you!