CDC Votes To Add Covid Shots To Recommended Vaccine Schedule, States Set School Vaccine Requirements

Thursday, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended updates to the 2023 childhood and adult immunization schedules, which includes incorporating additional information for COVID-19 vaccines.

There are no changes in COVID-19 vaccine policy, and Thursday’s action is an attempt to help streamline clinical guidance for healthcare providers by including all currently licensed, authorized and routinely recommended vaccines in one document.

With the anticipation of the vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, false claims have alluded that it would mean the vaccine would be required to attend school. The CDC only makes recommendations and does not have the authority to set school immunization requirements. The vote does not mandate the vaccine for school children. School-entry vaccination requirements are determined by state or local jurisdictions.

The updated schedules and program guidance will be published in early 2023. CDC will continue to update and work with health departments, providers, and other partners over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of the COVID-19 vaccination program from emergency response to a routine immunization program activity.