Pediatricians recommend COVID-19 vaccines despite CDC opposition

In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in August 2025 that significantly diverged from those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The AAP strongly recommends vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 2 years, stating that this age group is at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. For older children, vaccinations are advised but left to parental discretion. This shift marks a significant departure from previous public health guidelines and reflects ongoing debates about COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and recommendations for children. The CDC, now under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., no longer endorses the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children, advising that vaccination should occur only after consultation with healthcare providers. This shift has sparked considerable controversy as the CDC's guidelines were traditionally more aligned with those of the AAP. The AAP's President, Dr. Susan J. Kressly, emphasized that their recommendations are scientifically grounded and focus on protecting children's health, particularly given the high hospitalization rates during the pandemic. Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor at CBS News, stated that the probability of severe complications from COVID-19 remains high among younger children. She highlighted the importance of ensuring routine vaccinations to protect against COVID-19. The AAP's guidance also includes recommendations for immunizations against other diseases such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The organization believes the COVID-19 vaccine should be part of routine immunizations, similar to vaccines for other preventable diseases. The divergence of the AAP from CDC guidance represents a worrying trend amid rising vaccine skepticism within the government and public health agencies. Critics, including spokespeople from the Department of Health and Human Services, have argued that the AAP's stance could undermine the national vaccination framework and accused it of prioritizing commercial interests over public health. The new recommendations were announced during a tumultuous period for public health, highlighting the challenges faced during the current administration as it navigates a controversial landscape marked by conflicting information on vaccines and their necessity for children's health. This schism between two authoritative health bodies could affect vaccination rates and public confidence in immunization policies moving forward.