AAP Continues to Support Routine Immunizations for Every Child in Every Community

By Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics  

“Today’s meeting of the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) promoted false claims and misguided information about vaccines as part of an unprecedented effort to limit access to routine childhood immunizations and sow fear and mistrust in vaccines. Following today’s meeting, instead of emerging with clear guidance about vaccines that we know protect against serious illnesses, families are left with confusion, chaos and false information. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is stepping in to fill the gap.

“AAP recently published our own immunization schedule to ensure providers and families have evidence-based guidance rooted in the best interests of children’s health.

“Pediatricians talk with families about vaccines every day. We know that the vast majority of parents vaccinate their children to keep their immune systems strong and to ensure they can grow up healthy and active. Thanks to vaccines, many serious diseases that used to be common are now rarely seen. Ensuring that children stay up to date on vaccinations keeps these diseases from making a comeback.

“Following today’s meeting, we want to be clear that our recommendations on hepatitis B and measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccination have not changed:

• Giving newborns a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, with additional doses at 1-2 months and 6-18 months, remains the best protection against serious health problems like liver disease and cancer. Many people with hepatitis B don’t know they have it at first.  The virus can spread between family members living together and in other close contact settings, like daycares.
• All children should be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella at 1 year and again at 4-6 years. The combination MMRV vaccine should remain an option for families for both doses.

Until we can again trust the recommendations made by our federal government, AAP will continue stepping up and working with our local, state and federal partners to make sure every child in every community continues to have access to immunizations.”

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About AAP

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.