The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released a policy statement update regarding their 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for infants, children, and adolescents. The policy statement provides age-related breakdowns for four main demographics:

  • 6 month to 23 month olds, who are at high risk based on age alone
  • 6 month to 18 year olds who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
  • 2 year to 18 year olds who fit into certain situational risk groups
  • 2 year to 18 year olds who do not fit into the previously mentioned situational risk groups

Click here to view our summary of the policy statement.

Click here to view the full-text policy statement.

Key Elements of the 2025 Policy Statement:

The AAP states that the most updated version of any available COVID-19 vaccine appropriate by age and health status and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should be used.

6–23 Months Old (High Risk) 

AAP recommends all infants and children in this age group receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine in the following circumstances:

  • Patients previously unvaccinated should receive an initial vaccine series.
  • Previously vaccinated patients who did not complete their initial vaccine series should complete the initial vaccine series.
  • Previously vaccinated patients who completed their initial series should receive a single dose administered at least eight weeks after the last dose was received.
  • Patients with a previous asymptomatic infection or symptomatic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 should also receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

6 Months – 18 Years Old: Patients Who Are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

AAP recommends a requirement of two or more doses of age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine depending on previous vaccination status. For dosing recommendations, AAP directs providers to its Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.

2 Years – 18 Years Old: Patients in the following risk groups:

  • At high risk of severe COVID-19 
  • Residents of a long-term care facility or other congregate setting
  • Patients who were never caccinated against COVID-19
  • Patients whose household contacts are at high risk for severe COVID-19

AAP recommends a single dose of age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of prior COVID-19 vaccination status.

2 Years – 18 Years Old: Patients not included in the previously listed risk groups

AAP recommends a single dose of age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, administered at least eight weeks after the last dose was received.

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