The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new immunization schedule for children and adolescents from birth to age 18, ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season. The updated recommendations include guidance on influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 vaccines.
The schedule, titled “Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2025,” was published on August 19, 2025. The AAP has a history of providing evidence-based vaccine guidance and often works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to align recommendations. However, recent federal actions have prompted the organization to issue its own independent recommendations this year.
According to the AAP, “children deserve better.” The group’s recommendations are based on scientific evidence and identify ages and conditions where risks are highest. They also support making vaccines available for families.
One key difference between the AAP and CDC schedules is in COVID-19 vaccination guidance. The AAP recommends vaccination for all young children ages 6-23 months as well as children ages 2-18 years who are in certain risk groups. It also states that any child whose parent or guardian wants them protected from COVID-19 should have access to the vaccine.
The updated schedule also includes changes related to RSV and flu vaccines.
Insurance coverage for these vaccines is not guaranteed by the new AAP recommendations alone. Unless insurers or policymakers choose to align with these guidelines, some families may need to pay out of pocket for vaccinations.
A recent update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) narrowed approval for COVID-19 vaccines among children for the fall 2025 season. Moderna’s vaccine is authorized for those aged 6 months and older, Pfizer’s for children 5 years and older, and Novavax’s for those 12 years and older—but only in high-risk groups. The AAP described this move as “deeply troubling,” noting that while pediatricians can give vaccines off-label, supply limitations or confusion could restrict access.
Pediatricians are encouraged by the AAP to help families navigate questions about immunizations: “As such, we should continue to encourage the families whom we serve to ask us questions as they are determining the best protection for their children.”
