Who Sets the Vaccine Schedule for Childhood Immunization?

The proportion of families electing not to follow the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' immunization schedule has been increasing.

The schedule for childhood immunization in the U.S. is set by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It is determined by a committee of experts based on factors including the age at which protective responses can be predicted to occur, the priorities for protection against serious infections, the need to avoid interactions between vaccines, the timing of recommended well-child visits, and safety. The goal is safely providing protection from as many serious infections as possible at the earliest age possible.

Reflecting the population's concerns about vaccines, some parents have been using “alternative” schedules — as recommended in books by Stephanie Cave and Robert Sears (first published in 2001 and 2007, respectively) — th…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease