The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published its 2026 immunization schedule for children and adolescents, recommending protection against 18 diseases including polio, measles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and meningococcal disease. This comprehensive schedule draws on decades of evidence-based research and expert consensus and differs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Jan. 6 update, which covers 11 diseases.
“The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents of this country,” said AAP President Andrew Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP.
The schedule is supported by 12 major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Michigan’s Position
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a standing recommendation on Dec. 18, 2025, encouraging providers to follow the AAP’s evidence-based immunization schedules. MDHHS reaffirmed this position Jan. 6, 2026, underscoring its commitment to science-based public health recommendations.
The MHA encourages hospital leaders to connect with their local public health department to discuss shared strategies for promoting evidence-based vaccine information.
Supporting Patient Communication
As families encounter vaccine information from multiple sources, questions may arise. Healthcare providers play a key role in delivering clear, evidence-based guidance grounded in science.
To assist with this effort, MDHHS has partnered with the Michigan Association of Local Public Health to launch the Michigan Health Communications Initiative. The initiative offers a monthly provider newsletter and ready-to-use materials suitable for emails, social media or printed displays to help educate patients about the importance of vaccines.
Vaccines are an important tool for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. The MHA supports the state’s standing recommendation to follow the AAP immunization schedules as evidence-based guidance that protects Michigan’s children. Additional information is available on the MDHHS Immunization Recommendations for Michigan webpage.
Members with questions about vaccines may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.