answering your questions about the CDC’s updated childhood vaccine schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the U.S. child and adolescent vaccine schedule. If you’ve seen the headlines and felt unsure, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
At Dayton Children’s, our job is simple: support your family with clear information, compassionate guidance and care you can trust. Below, you’ll find what changed, what stayed the same and answers to the questions we’re hearing from parents across our community.
key takeaways
- Vaccines continue to be the safest and most reliable tool we have to protect children from serious illness and keep communities healthy.
- Our pediatric experts continue to recommend the vaccine schedule we have used for years because it offers the strongest and most reliable protection.
other key points
- The scientific evidence behind childhood vaccines has not changed.
- These CDC updates are recommendations, not requirements. Families still have access to all vaccines previously available.
- No vaccines were removed. The timelines and vaccines from the earlier schedule are still an option, and are our recommendation.
- Delaying vaccines increases risk, especially in babies and young children who are most vulnerable.
What’s changed in the CDC’s vaccine schedule?
The updated schedule puts vaccines in three groups:
- Vaccines recommended for all children
- Vaccines recommended for high-risk groups
- Vaccines based on a conversation between you and your child’s medical provider (called shared decision-making)
What hasn’t changed?
Every vaccine from the previous schedule is still available for your child, on the previous timeline.
FAQs about childhood vaccines
We recommend continuing with the previous schedule. Delaying or skipping recommended vaccines can leave children exposed to dangerous illnesses. And, it leaves our families, friends and community, especially those who can’t be fully vaccinated, such as babies, more vulnerable.
If you aren’t sure or have questions, please talk with your child’s pediatrician or medical provider. They know your child’s health best and will recommend the schedule that offers the strongest protection.
All of the primary care practices affiliated with Dayton Children’s, and most pediatricians in our area, will continue to follow the previous schedule. You can always ask at your next visit.
Yes. Childhood vaccines continue to undergo rigorous testing and monitoring. They remain one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious illness in kids.
Yes. Insurance coverage for vaccines remains unchanged at this time. If this changes, we will share that with our families.
Yes. Vaccines that were part of the previous childhood schedule are still available and still beneficial for healthy children. Your provider will help you determine what’s best for your child.
No, Ohio’s school and childcare immunization requirements have not changed.
Yes. Decades of research show that giving the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth is the best way to protect newborns.
You’re not alone. We know these decisions can be difficult. Please reach out to your child’s pediatrician or a trusted medical provider who can provide you with accurate and reliable information based on the most accurate, current science and research.
They can listen, support and partner with you in making the best decisions for your family.
we’re here for you
As your children’s hospital, we know there’s a lot of information to consider when it comes to your child’s health. We are committed to supporting you by providing trusted information from our compassionate experts.
If you have questions about your child’s vaccines, please call your pediatrician or your child’s primary medical provider.
contact us
If you are interested in pursuing a story about Dayton Children’s please contact public relations manager, Katie Solovey, at 937-673-4941 or by filling out a media inquiry through our contact us form.