Vaccines have been a hot topic over the last few years, and most recently, the MMR vaccine, along with the entire immunization schedule, has come under the scrutiny of the current administration.
There has been so much false and misleading information in the last few years that it has caused considerable fear and avoidance of vaccines, with our government and social media driving many of these fears. More and more parents are now opting out of vaccines, which is resulting in the emergence of diseases that had been previously eradicated in our country. The US is currently experiencing the largest measles resurgence in more than three decades. As more parents opt their children out of vaccines, we will see more and more children becoming ill, which increases the risk of exposure for all our children.
Our nation experienced record hospitalizations and the highest pediatric death toll on record, with nearly 200 pediatric deaths in the 2025-2026 flu season. As the next flu season is just around the corner, it concerns me that this number will rise, even when a vaccine is available for both the flu and RSV to help prevent additional deaths among our children. “Vaccines are among the most effective tools available to protect children from serious illness, hospitalizations, disability, and death.” (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, NFID, 2026)
Despite the recent executive order for a different immunization schedule, there is no new scientific evidence or research to support making any changes. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) continue to recommend the AAP childhood immunization schedule based on years of research, extensive studies including safety monitoring, and the expertise of physicians and scientists whose sole focus is your child’s health. The schedule is designed to protect infants and children from diseases at times when their immune system responds best.
The AAP also states that the proposed changes to split the MMR vaccine into 3 separate shots may make children more susceptible between shots and would also require more doctor visits, more injections for your child, and higher costs. Scheduling multiple vaccines at one time does not overwhelm your child’s immune system.
All these proposed changes and conflicting recommendations can be confusing and frustrating for parents trying to make the best decisions for their children. Regardless of which side of the debate you stand on, it requires parents to be diligent and proactive in obtaining education from credible sources and to work closely with their pediatrician. Your child’s pediatrician is your biggest ally and advocate for your child’s health. Vaccines have provided effective coverage for communicable diseases for many years and will continue to keep our children safe and healthy into the future. I encourage anyone who has questions, concerns, or fears about immunizations to speak directly with their pediatrician. I’m confident that working together will produce the best care plan for you and your child.
Below is the current recommended AAP immunization schedule for your reference:
