PIDS Statement on Announced CDC Changes to Childhood Vaccine Recommendations

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) opposes today’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced changes regarding the organization and presentation of the U.S. childhood immunization schedule. This unprecedented move will cause confusion in pediatric offices for practitioners and parents alike, and result in fewer children protected against severe, preventable diseases.

PIDS remains firmly committed to protecting all children from vaccine-preventable diseases through its endorsement of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended immunization schedule, which was developed through decades of rigorous, transparent, and continually updated high-quality clinical trials, post-licensure safety monitoring, and real-world effectiveness data. This schedule has been instrumental in dramatically reducing childhood illness, hospitalization, disability, and death from infectious diseases in the United States. 

There was no introduction of research or evidence prompting the revision, but rather it was a response to a directive to align with other “peer” nations. Comparisons between countries based primarily on the number of recommended vaccines or doses oversimplifies complex differences in disease burden, health systems, surveillance capacity, and population risk. The prior U.S. immunization schedule was specifically designed to address the epidemiology of infectious diseases affecting children in this country and has a long-standing record of safety and effectiveness.

While PIDS supports ongoing scientific inquiry, transparency, and efforts to strengthen public trust in vaccines, our Society emphasizes that existing vaccines on the prior recommended schedule have already met high standards for safety and efficacy. PIDS cautions against policy changes that could create confusion, reduce vaccination coverage, or increase the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, pertussis, and invasive bacterial infections.

Trust in public health is built by clear, consistent messaging and by reaffirming what the science already shows—vaccines save lives. PIDS will continue to work closely with our partners to advocate for evidence-based immunization policies that prioritize the health and well-being of all children.