AAP 2026–2027 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Infants and Children

What changedThe American Academy of Pediatrics published its 2026–2027 policy statement on COVID-19 vaccines for infants, children, and adolescents on October 19, 2026.Key points:

1. All infants and children 6 through 23 months of age who do not have contraindications should receive the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine.- Previously unvaccinated children in this age group should complete an initial series.- Those who finished an initial series should receive a single dose at least 8 weeks after the last dose.- Children and adolescents 2 through 18 years who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 should receive a single dose, regardless of prior vaccination status.- Children 2 through 18 years not at increased risk whose parent or guardian wants protection should be offered a single dose.- Moderately or severely immunocompromised children need 2 or more doses depending on prior history.A companion technical report reviews the evidence on disease burden, vaccine effectiveness, and safety.## BackgroundInfants and toddlers remain at higher risk of severe COVID-19 relative to older children. Hospitalization and mortality rates in the 6–23 month group have been comparable to or higher than those in adults in their 60s and 70s in recent seasons.AAP notes that updated 2024–2025 vaccine doses reduced COVID-19-related emergency and urgent care visits by roughly half to three-quarters depending on age. Myocarditis rates have declined with newer formulations.## Competing viewpointsSome parents and clinicians prefer a more risk-based approach for all ages, citing lower absolute risk in healthy school-age children. Others support the AAP’s universal recommendation for the youngest age group because of the higher relative burden and the difficulty of identifying every high-risk child in time.CDC and ACIP schedules may differ in emphasis or timing; parents should check both sources and discuss with their pediatrician.## What to watch next- Availability and formulation of 2026–2027 products (mRNA and protein subunit).- Real-world uptake data, especially in the 6–23 month group where completion of series has historically been incomplete.- Any updates as new variants emerge or additional safety data accumulate.- Coadministration guidance with routine childhood vaccines.This is educational information only and is not medical advice. Talk with your child’s clinician about timing, contraindications, and which product is appropriate.Sources: AAP Policy Statement and Technical Report, Pediatrics, October 19, 2026; AAP COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs.