The AAP will provide evidence-based immunization recommendations and a schedule that is updated annually.  AAP's Committee on Infectious Diseases, in collaboration with key strategic partners, will support all necessary phases of recommendation development from scientific evidence review to dissemination.  Science-based recommendations are foundational for ensuring access and uptake of immunizations to benefit children, families, and communities.

Planned recommendations

  • 2026–2027 Respiratory Virus Immunizations – Influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) 

Create Immunization Subgroups

For each immunization topic, the Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID) identifies a lead to convene an immunization subgroup. COID members and external experts are invited based on expertise. Conflict-of-interest (COI) disclosures are collected from all participants.

Define questions and evidence sources

Subgroups identify clinical questions and needed data sources  — including published studies, public health data and unpublished data. Collaborators include the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP), with the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Council on Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) serving as conveners for data and evidence review.

Establish the review framework and synthesize evidence

Subgroups apply an evidence review framework and discuss the evidence. They review disease epidemiology and morbidity and mortality alongside immunization safety, efficacy and uptake. They apply evidence to develop pediatric-specific immunization recommendations. 

Present findings and recommendations

Subgroup leaders present the evidence and recommendations to the full COID. External stakeholders may be invited. COI disclosures are collected from participants.

Vote on recommendations

 COID discusses and votes on recommendations. Voting is limited to eligible COID members. Members with COIs recuse as required.

Complete peer review and approval

Recommendations are translated to AAP publications and undergo peer and AAP Board review. AAP Board approves final drafts.

 Publish recommendations and implementation materials

AAP immunization recommendations are published in Pediatrics and the Red Book Online. The immunization schedule is updated as needed. AAP develops resources such as FAQs, fact sheets and webpage updates.

 Disseminate recommendations

AAP disseminates recommendations. This includes webinars, podcasts and articles for clinicians and families.

 Continue to review evidence and recommendations

COID monitors disease epidemiology and immunization safety and efficacy data. This review informs updates to the recommendations as needed.

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Last Updated

05/28/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics