AAP breaks with federal Covid guidance for babies

The American Academy of Pediatrics diverges from US government vaccine guidance for Covid vaccines in infants, signaling a rare policy split.

AAP breaks with federal Covid guidance for babies

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidance recommending Covid-19 vaccination for children six months to two years and allowing vaccination for older kids if parents choose. This marks the first time in about 30 years that the AAP has significantly diverged from federal health leadership on this issue. The move comes as Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has said vaccines should not be routinely recommended for healthy children, creating a clash between a major medical group and the administration.

A Kennedy led panel has excluded the AAP and other top medical groups from advising on vaccines and is weighing autumn booster options, even as the CDC has been revising its language. The AAP notes that infants with chronic conditions remain a priority for vaccination and that older children with underlying risks may also benefit. In another related decision, the new panel endorsed flu vaccines as single dose and preservative free while the AAP argues there is no evidence of harm from thimerosal and supports using any licensed flu vaccine appropriate for the patient.

The rift reflects a broader tug of war between scientific consensus and political leadership in public health. The AAP is leaning on its long standing clinical expertise and patient risk profiles, while the Kennedy led panel emphasizes streamlined messaging and a different risk assessment. For families, this creates mixed signals at a time when trust in health guidance is crucial. The clash could influence how patients view vaccines and how clinicians counsel families.

If policy becomes a political battleground, the public may question the reliability of medical recommendations. The outcome will shape not just this year’s vaccine decisions but future attempts to align clinical practice with federal guidance in urgent health matters.

Highlights

The debate will test how health guidance travels from labs to living rooms.