Oregon Health & Science University clinicians would like to remind Oregonians of the importance of routine and complete immunization schedules for children and adolescents to help prevent the spread of illness, and to keep kids and communities safe.
The message follows a change last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, that revises the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and removes recommendations for a number of immunizations previously recommended for all infants, children and adolescents in the United States. All of these immunizations protect children from important and potentially dangerous diseases including hepatitis, influenza, meningitis and COVID-19.
Pediatric health experts say this decision did not follow necessary and standard immunization policy review procedures and threatens to increase vaccine-preventable diseases among children. Increased rates of these diseases will have significant impact upon families and communities in Oregon and across the country, including hospitalization and even death in some children. Increased infections also bring significant societal costs, including missed school for children, work for parents and caregivers, and medical bills for families.
OHSU remains aligned with the West Coast Health Alliance and American Academy of Pediatrics in recommending the full child and adolescent immunization schedule, which is based on established immunization safety and effectiveness data.
“The health and well-being of children and families in Oregon have always been OHSU’s top priority and guiding principle,” said Dawn Nolt, M.D., M.P.H., division head of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. “We know, based on decades of evidence, that vaccination is a safe and highly effective way to help keep your kids healthy. We will continue to follow the science on this matter and ensure continued access to recommended vaccines.”
OHSU pediatricians provide answers to common questions about immunization:
Questions and answers
Why are immunizations recommended for children?
While children are born with robust immune systems capable of fighting many germs, the immune system sometimes cannot adequately protect from some viruses and bacteria that can cause serious or even deadly diseases. Immunization helps the immune system learn about potential threats and teaches the body to prevent diseases before an infection occurs. They not only help protect children from contracting specific diseases but also reduce the risk of severe illness if children do become sick.
Immunizations are like security updates for phones or computers: they provide security updates for kids’ immune systems. Importantly, immunizations not only protect children and families, but they also help prevent the spread of illness to friends, loved ones and the wider community. OHSU will continue to follow the immunization recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics and administer only immunizations that have been extensively tested for efficacy and safety. These immunizations are continually monitored by doctors and scientists to ensure that children, families and communities are protected from severe, preventable diseases.
What is the AAP recommended immunization schedule?
The AAP recommended immunization schedule provides the latest scientific and trusted guidance on when children and teens should receive each immunization. Every immunization included in the schedule has been thoroughly studied and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. The immunization schedule is considered the ideal timeline for healthy children as their immune system develops.
The schedule should serve as a starting point for discussions between families and their providers. Parents should continue to make informed decisions with the guidance of their child’s health care provider, who knows their child's health history and can talk with you about specific concerns.
Why is the AAP immunization schedule different from the federal schedule?
Prior to 2025, the AAP issued immunization recommendations that were completely aligned with the CDC recommendations, which followed a rigorous review of data on risk of disease and safety of immunization in the United States. However, in January 2026, federal officials suddenly changed the review and recommendation process, removing several safe and well-established immunizations from the recommendations.
Changes in the recommended immunization schedule released in January 2026 are not based on changes in vaccine safety and effectiveness data. The changes were based on a comparison of the number of routine vaccinations recommended in the United States versus select other countries — an approach that does not consider risks from specific diseases in the U.S., health impacts and how our health care system works.
Will insurers continue to cover pediatric immunizations?
Currently, we do not expect these changes to affect insurer coverage for immunizations for this plan year. All child and adolescent immunizations recommended as of Dec. 31, 2025, will remain available and covered by public and private insurers.
Who should I talk to if I have questions?
We understand these recent changes in federal health guidance may create confusion and concern. Your child’s pediatrician is the best source for accurate, up-to-date information about immunization. OHSU and our clinical practitioners believe that every child has the right to grow, develop and thrive in safe, secure communities. We are dedicated to helping you make sure your child and family receive the best possible care, including protecting Oregonians from preventable diseases. If you have questions about immunizations, reach out and speak with your healthcare provider. We support informed decisions for the best protection of your children and family.