The 2026 Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule

Clinical Takeaway

: The American Academy of Pediatrics provides their recommended vaccine schedule, with endorsements from many other organizations.

An overview of the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2026: Policy statement*

Background

Historically the childhood immunization schedule has been published annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by other agencies. In 2026, the AAP has published an immunization schedule that differs significantly from the one most recently released by the CDC. We note changes from the previous, 2025 CDC schedule.

Key Updates

Modified color coding: Recommended vaccines appear in blue, catch-up vaccines in purple, recommended vaccines for those with high-risk conditions in orange, recommended vaccines for those desiring protection in blue with dots, and vaccines recommended based on sh…

Reviewing Author

Deborah Lehman, M.D.

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose