Medically reviewed by Dr. William Adelman, medical director of the Primary Care Network, and Dr. Eric Ball, a pediatrician at Rady Children’s Health
Key takeaways for parents
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2026, offering guidance to help protect infants, children and teens from serious, preventable diseases.
- The 2026 AAP immunization schedule continues to recommend routine vaccines that protect children and teens from 18 serious, preventable diseases.
- Parents are encouraged to talk with their child’s pediatrician about vaccines and follow guidance that best protects their child’s health.
What is the AAP immunization schedule?
Each year, the AAP reviews the latest scientific evidence on vaccines and childhood diseases and publishes an immunization schedule for children and adolescents in the United States. This schedule outlines which vaccines are recommended, and when, based on how children’s immune systems develop and when they are most vulnerable to certain illnesses.
The 2026 schedule continues to recommend routine immunization to protect against 18 diseases, including RSV, influenza (flu), hepatitis A and B, rotavirus and meningococcal disease.
The AAP 2026 Vaccine schedule available here is endorsed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and aligns with the state’s Public Health for All vaccine Recommendations.
A parent-friendly version of the schedule is also available on HealthyChildren.org, a trusted resource from the AAP designed specifically for families.
What’s new for 2026?
Overall, the 2026 AAP immunization schedule is largely unchanged from previous recommendations released in 2025. The guidance continues to be rooted in decades of research, real-world safety data and careful review by pediatric and infectious disease experts.
Why does the schedule differ from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s schedule?
Parents may notice that more than one national organization, including AAP and CDC, provides guidance on childhood vaccines. The AAP develops its vaccine schedule specifically for infants, children and adolescents, based on evidence about disease risk during childhood and when vaccines are most effective at different ages. Pediatricians use this child-focused guidance to help protect children through their development.
Which schedule should parents follow?
The AAP encourages families to follow the immunization schedule recommended by their child’s pediatrician. Our Rady Children’s Health and Primary Care Network pediatricians rely on the AAP schedule because it is specifically designed around children’s health needs, disease risks in the U.S., and how vaccines are best delivered in real-world pediatric care.
If you’re feeling confused by different schedules or recommendations, your pediatrician can help explain what applies to your child and why certain vaccines are recommended at specific ages.
Why pediatricians trust the AAP schedule
Since its founding in 1930, the AAP has been a leading voice in child health. Its vaccine recommendations are developed using a rigorous, evidence-based process that considers:
- Vaccine safety data collected over many years
- How common and severe certain diseases are in the U.S.
- How well vaccines prevent illness and complications
- The best timing for vaccines based on immune system development
As AAP leaders emphasize, vaccines are designed to teach the immune system to recognize and fight serious diseases. The timing and combination of vaccines are carefully studied to ensure children get the strongest protection when they need it most.
Diseases the 2026 schedule helps prevent
Following the AAP immunization schedule helps protect children from many serious illnesses, including:
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies before their first birthday. Immunizations given during pregnancy and early infancy provide protective antibodies that help keep newborns safe.
Influenza (flu)
The flu vaccine is recommended for all children starting at 6 months old. Young children—especially those under age 2—are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death from the flu. Vaccination also helps protect families and communities during respiratory virus season.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause lifelong liver disease, liver cancer or liver failure. When given within 24 hours of birth, the hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection in newborns.
Measles
Measles is extremely contagious and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, hearing loss and death. Recent outbreaks in the U.S. have mostly affected young children.
The schedule also protects against other preventable diseases, including:
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis)
- Polio
- Pneumococcal disease
- COVID-19
- Mumps and Rubella
- Chickenpox (varicella)
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis A
Broad medical support for childhood vaccines
The AAP’s 2026 immunization schedule is endorsed by 12 major medical and health care organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, Infectious Diseases Society of America and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
This wide support reflects strong agreement across medical specialties that routine childhood vaccines are safe, effective and essential to protecting children’s health.
Where can parents go for questions about vaccinating their child?
Your child’s pediatrician is your most trusted source for vaccine information. Pediatricians welcome questions and can talk through the benefits, possible side effects and the timing of each vaccine.
What parents should do next
If you have questions about vaccines or the immunization schedule, you’re not alone. The AAP encourages parents to talk openly with their child’s pediatrician, who can help you:
- Understand which vaccines your child needs and when
- Address concerns about safety or side effects
- Review your child’s immunization record
Routine childhood immunizations are an important step toward lifelong health. By staying informed and partnering with your child’s care team, you’re helping protect not only your own child, but also your community.
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Find a CHOC Primary Care Pediatrician
From babies to teens, pediatricians from CHOC’s Primary Care Network partner with parents to offer immunizations, sick visits, sports physicals and more.
