CDC Vaccine Schedule 2026 Explained: What Changed for Children & Adults
CDC released 2026 immunization schedules October 2025 incorporating ACIP recommendations approved Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill. Key changes adopt individual-based COVID-19 decision-making, standalone varicella chickenpox vaccination toddlers instead MMRV combination. Schedules guide healthcare providers catch-up vaccination medical indications updated annually.
2026 Schedule Major Changes Summary
ACIP approved updates reflect evolving science policy shifts HHS Secretary RFK Jr. ACIP reforms. Core modifications:
- COVID-19: Individual shared decision-making replaces blanket recommendations
- Chickenpox toddlers: Standalone varicella preferred over MMRV ages 12-47 months
- Catch-up intervals clarified Table 2
- Medical indications expanded Table 3
- RSV nirsevimab maternal vaccination notes updated
Child & Adolescent Schedule (Birth-18 Years)
Birth-15 months core vaccines maintain Hepatitis B birth dose, rotavirus 6 weeks, DTaP IPV PCV Hib series. MMR varicella separate preferred 12-15 months. Influenza annual 6 months+. COVID-19 shared clinical decisions per risk factors.
| Age Group | Change |
|---|---|
| Birth | Hepatitis B first dose |
| 12-47 months | Standalone varicella MMRV |
| 6 months+ | Influenza annual |
| COVID | Individual decision |
Adult Schedule (19 Years & Older)
Tdap boosters pregnancy, HPV catch-up 26 years, shingles Shingrix 50+, pneumococcal PCV20 65+. RSV Abrysvo pregnant women 32-36 weeks. COVID-19 risk-based shared decisions high-risk groups only. Influenza annual everyone 19+.
Catch-Up Vaccination Guidelines
Table 2 minimum intervals missed doses:
- DTaP 4 weeks between doses
- MMR 28 days separate measles
- HPV 3 doses catch-up 26 years
- Pneumococcal intervals age-dependent
Medical indications Table 3 expanded immunocompromised diabetes pregnancy groups.
What ACIP Changes Mean Practically
COVID individual decisions restore informed consent per HHS Secretary O’Neill. MMRV separation reduces fever risk young toddlers. Schedules downloadable CDC.gov healthcare providers patients. Spanish versions available. ACIP votes September 2025 finalized October publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed CDC vaccine schedule 2026?
COVID individual decisions, standalone chickenpox toddlers, catch-up clarifications.
Chickenpox vaccine toddlers now?
Separate varicella preferred ages 12-47 months over MMRV combination.
COVID vaccine CDC schedule 2026?
Shared clinical decision-making high-risk groups only.
CDC 2026 schedules balance science policy evolution. Healthcare providers download printable versions patient discussions. ACIP continues monthly reviews new data. Stay updated cdc.gov/vaccines.
Updated January 06, 2026 2:56 PM IST. ACIP recommendations October 2025.
