Madison Clarke
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was approved for emergency use in children aged 12 to 15 in the United States in May 2021. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to discuss the safety of the vaccine in this age group, and following the FDA's authorization, the CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, gave the final approval. The Pfizer vaccine was found to be 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 with symptoms in this age group. The CDC develops the U.S. immunization schedules for children, teens, and adults, and their recommended schedule is rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organization | CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) |
| Vaccine | Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine |
| Age Group | 12-15 years old |
| Clinical Trial Participants | More than 2,000 children |
| Results | 100% effective at preventing COVID-19 with symptoms |
| Additional Information | The CDC says it is OK for preteens and teens (12 years old or older) to get their routine vaccines at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. |
| Date | May 2021 |
| Other Vaccines | The CDC develops the U.S. immunization schedules for children, teens, and adults. |
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What You'll Learn
- The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised children
- The American Academy of Pediatrics diverges from the CDC's recommendations
- The CDC suggests discussing the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider
- The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is made up of independent experts
- The CDC does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised children
The CDC has been urging annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans aged six months and older. However, in May 2025, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. The CDC issued a response, stating that healthy children may get the shots, but there is no longer a strong recommendation to do so.
The CDC recommends that parents of children aged six months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider. This is especially important for children aged six months to two years, who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccinations are also recommended for older children with chronic lung diseases or other conditions that increase their risk of severe disease.
The CDC recommends a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older. This includes people who have previously been infected with COVID-19, as well as those with long COVID. Getting the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is of utmost importance for those aged 65 and above, those at high risk for severe COVID-19, and those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine before.
While the CDC does not specifically mention immunocompromised children, it does state that there are different recommendations for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised children, as they are at a higher risk of severe illness.
It is worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued its own COVID-19 vaccine guidance, which differs from the CDC's recommendations for the first time in 30 years. The AAP strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for children aged six months to two years and advises shots for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics diverges from the CDC's recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new COVID-19 vaccination guidelines that differ significantly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendations. The AAP is urging that children as young as six months and up to 23 months receive the Covid-19 vaccine. This is based on their conclusion that children under 23 months old are at the highest risk of severe COVID-19. This differs from the CDC's current guidance, which states that COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged six months to 17 years should be determined through "shared clinical decision-making".
The AAP's updated childhood immunization schedule outlines recommendations for vaccines against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV for individuals under 18. The CDC, on the other hand, has a recommended immunization schedule that is rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness and is endorsed by the AAP and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The CDC's schedule is carefully timed to provide protection to children and teens when they are most vulnerable to diseases, and when vaccines will produce the strongest immune response.
The divergence between the AAP and the CDC's recommendations has left parents with competing guidance. The AAP has emphasized that its vaccine schedule is based on the health of children and the evidence showing how vaccines support their immune systems. They have also stated that their recommendations are based only on science, the needs of children, and the care that pediatricians provide.
It is important to note that the CDC's role is to provide recommendations to health officials, who then decide on the official vaccination schedules. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recently undergone changes, with new members appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of anti-vaccine activism. This has led to concerns about vaccine misinformation and access under current federal health leadership.
The AAP has expressed anger at the CDC for eliminating corporate influence in vaccine recommendations and returning to evidence-based medicine focused on children's health. Kennedy has accused the AAP of being "corporate-friendly" and has called for them to disclose conflicts of interest. The AAP has a long history of providing vaccine recommendations and has not traditionally diverged from federal recommendations. However, tension between the AAP and federal health policy has been running high, particularly around changes to the ACIP.
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The CDC suggests discussing the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider
The CDC recommends that individuals consult with their healthcare providers to discuss the benefits of vaccination. This is because healthcare providers can offer personalised advice and recommendations based on an individual's age, medical history, and other relevant factors.
Healthcare providers can determine the recommended vaccine schedule for each patient, taking into account factors such as age and medical condition. They can also advise on the appropriate interval for catch-up vaccinations if an individual has fallen behind on their recommended schedule. Additionally, healthcare providers can assess the need for additional vaccines based on an individual's medical condition or other indications. This ensures that each person receives the vaccinations most relevant to their health needs and risks.
Furthermore, healthcare providers can review specific vaccine types, frequencies, and intervals, and any special considerations that may be required for certain individuals. They can also advise on contraindications and precautions associated with different vaccine types. This is especially important for individuals with complex medical histories or unique health needs, as it ensures that vaccinations are administered safely and effectively.
By discussing the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and ensure they are adequately protected against preventable diseases. Healthcare providers can offer guidance on which vaccines are mandatory or highly recommended for specific activities, such as international travel or enrolment in educational institutions. They can also provide clarity on vaccine safety and address any concerns or misconceptions individuals may have.
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The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is made up of independent experts
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is an independent panel of experts that provides advice and guidance to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Director of the CDC. The committee is responsible for making recommendations on the appropriate selection and use of vaccines to effectively control vaccine-preventable diseases in the civilian population of the United States. ACIP typically holds three regular meetings each year and often appoints working groups to assist in drafting its recommendations. These workgroups are composed of ACIP members, CDC staff, and other immunization experts. They work year-round to catalog specific vaccines, review scientific information, and present their findings at ACIP meetings.
In June 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent voice in the anti-vaccine movement, fired all 17 members of the ACIP. He replaced them with his own selections, including individuals who were either anti-vaccine activists or lacked expertise in vaccines. This action was criticized by experts as a deliberate effort to hinder vaccine development and degrade public health protections.
Prior to this controversial decision, ACIP played a crucial role in vaccine recommendations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2021, the CDC endorsed the FDA's approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 years and older. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made this recommendation based on updated clinical trial data and further safety follow-up. However, the vaccine remained under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children aged 12 to 15, as the company continued to collect data in this age group.
The CDC's endorsement of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 16 and older was a significant step in the fight against COVID-19. While the vaccine was initially available under EUA for adolescents 12 to 15, the CDC's approval for those 16 and older expanded access to a larger portion of the population. This decision was based on the available scientific data and the recommendation of the CDC's advisory committee.
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The CDC does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued its own COVID-19 vaccine guidance that differs from the CDC's recommendations. The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children aged 6 months to 2 years, as they are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The AAP also recommends vaccinations for older children with chronic lung diseases or other high-risk conditions. However, the Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson, Andrew Nixon, accused the AAP of "undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks."
The CDC's decision to no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children has been influenced by the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts have discussed the possibility of focusing vaccination efforts on people 65 and older, who are among the most at-risk groups for severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for most adults aged 18 and older, especially those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
It is important to note that the CDC's role is to provide recommendations and guidance based on the current state of the pandemic and the best available scientific evidence. The decision to vaccinate healthy children may be re-evaluated as the situation evolves, and new data emerges. Parents of children considering vaccination are advised to discuss the benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.
While the CDC does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children, it is still important to consider the opinions of medical professionals and stay informed about the latest developments in the pandemic. The CDC's recommendations are subject to change, and it is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks of vaccination for each individual child.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the CDC does not recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children older than six months. However, the CDC does recommend the vaccine for children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
The AAP is recommending a different approach to childhood vaccination than the CDC. The AAP strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for children aged six months to two years.
Parents of children aged six months to 17 years should discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider.
