|
Earlier this week, Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced changes to the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines for healthy pregnant women and healthy children. Last evening, CDC posted updated versions of the immunization schedules.
To summarize the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes on the CDC immunization schedules:
- The Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule now reflects shared clinical decision making for all children and adolescents aged 6 months – 17 years, including those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
- If they so choose, VFC-eligible children will be allowed to obtain vaccine after a shared clinical decision with their health care provider.
- The Notes section has been updated accordingly; we encourage you to review carefully.
- No changes were made to the recommendations for persons who are aged 18 years and not pregnant.
- For both the Adult and Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedules, pregnancy is now shaded gray to reflect no guidance/recommendation.
The COVID-19 virus continues to pose serious health risks in Washington, including hospitalizations, long COVID, and preventable deaths, particularly among pregnant people and young children, people with chronic conditions, and those who remain unvaccinated. Providers should continue to offer and administer COVID-19 vaccines to all patients 6 months and older who are eligible to receive one. Please feel free to reach out to the Childhood Vaccine Program (WAChildhoodVaccines@doh.wa.gov) or the Adult Vaccine Program (WAAdultVaccines@doh.wa.gov) if you have questions.
|
