CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Concludes Meeting with Unified Statement on Vaccine Recommendations and Guidelines

CDC Advisory Committee updates Vaccine Recommendations

ATLANTA-JUNE 26, 2025- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) concluded a two-day meeting today, issuing several key recommendations regarding vaccine schedules and formulations. Composed of leading medical and public health experts, the ACIP advises the CDC on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and clinical necessity.

Here’s a breakdown of the committee’s decisions:

* RSV Protection for Infants: The ACIP approved, by a 5-2 vote, a single dose of clesrovimab, a monoclonal antibody, for infants born to mothers who haven’t received RSV vaccination. Clesrovimab is one of two available RSV monoclonal antibody products.
* Vaccines for Children Program (RSV): A unanimous 7-0 vote approved the updated resolution for the Vaccines for Children Program, specifically focusing on the prevention of RSV.
* Annual Flu Vaccination: The committee reaffirmed, wiht a 6-0 vote, its recommendation for routine annual influenza vaccination for all individuals over six months of age, barring any contraindications.
* Thimerosal-Free Flu Vaccines: In a 5-1 vote, the ACIP recommended that children 18 years and younger, pregnant women, and all adults receive seasonal influenza vaccines only in single-dose formulations free of thimerosal as a preservative.

These recommendations are now under review by the CDC Director. Upon adoption, thay will be officially published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The CDC Director will then inform the Secretary of Health and human Services and the Assistant Secretary for Health.

Commitment to transparency and Data-Driven Decisions

The newly appointed ACIP members emphasized their commitment to “honesty, transparency, and compassion” in public health. They stressed the importance of rebuilding public trust in the scientific process and basing recommendations on rigorous, evidence-based medicine.

The committee highlighted the need for accessible, scientifically accurate information for all stakeholders – healthcare providers, parents, schools, and manufacturers – and underscored the importance of robust data collection to assess both the benefits and potential adverse effects of vaccines. the ACIP plans to evaluate existing programs designed to collect data from vaccinated and unvaccinated populations to better understand long-term outcomes.

The ACIP’s next meeting is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.

what are the key changes to the recommended childhood immunization schedule for the 2025-2026 season?

Key Updates from the November 2025 ACIP Meeting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently concluded its November 2025 meeting, issuing a unified statement outlining updated vaccine recommendations and immunization guidelines.These updates are crucial for healthcare professionals, public health officials, and the general public to ensure optimal vaccine coverage and protection against preventable diseases. This article details the key takeaways from the meeting,focusing on changes to existing schedules and new recommendations for emerging threats.We’ll cover adult immunizations, childhood vaccinations, and specific guidance on influenza vaccines and COVID-19 boosters.

Revised Childhood Immunization Schedule (2025-2026)

The ACIP reviewed and approved revisions to the recommended childhood immunization schedule for the 2025-2026 season. Notable changes include:

* RSV Vaccine: Continued proposal for maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy (32-36 weeks gestation) to protect infants from severe illness. expanded eligibility for direct infant immunization with RSV vaccine (nirsevimab) based on age and risk factors.

* Influenza Vaccination: Emphasis on the importance of annual flu shots for all children 6 months and older, with no change in recommended vaccine types.

* MMR vaccine: Reinforced recommendations for two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially in light of recent outbreaks. Increased focus on achieving 95% coverage rates within communities.

* Varicella Vaccine: No changes to the current recommendations for varicella (chickenpox) vaccination.

* DTaP/Tdap: Continued adherence to the recommended schedule for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines.

updates to Adult Immunization Guidelines

Adult vaccination rates remain a public health concern. The ACIP addressed this with several key updates:

* COVID-19 Boosters: The committee recommended an updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine booster for all adults, regardless of prior vaccination status, to address circulating variants. Specific guidance was provided for immunocompromised individuals, who may require additional doses.

* Pneumococcal Vaccination: Revised recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination based on age and risk factors.Emphasis on shared clinical decision-making regarding the use of PCV20 versus PPSV23.

* Shingles Vaccination: Continued recommendation for the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) for adults 50 years and older, even if they have previously had shingles.

* Hepatitis A & B: Reinforced recommendations for vaccination against hepatitis A and B for individuals at risk, including travelers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.

Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for the 2025-2026 Season

The ACIP provided detailed guidance on influenza vaccines for the upcoming season:

* Vaccine Composition: The committee reviewed data on circulating influenza strains and recommended the inclusion of an updated A(H1N1) component in the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine.

* Vaccine Types: All licensed influenza vaccines are considered acceptable, including inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs), live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs), and high-dose influenza vaccines for older adults.

* Timing of Vaccination: The ACIP recommends that vaccination should ideally occur by the end of October, but vaccination can continue throughout the influenza season.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Improving Access

A significant portion of the ACIP meeting was dedicated to addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccine access. Key discussion points included:

* provider Communication: The importance of healthcare providers engaging in open and honest conversations with patients about vaccine benefits and risks.

* Community Outreach: Strategies for reaching underserved communities and addressing health disparities in immunization rates.

* combating Misinformation: Efforts to