When it comes to your child's health, you deserve clear, trustworthy guidance—not confusion. That's why California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii have united to reaffirm a simple, powerful message: We stand with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its evidence-based vaccine schedule for children and adolescents.

At Crestwood General, we believe that science, not politics, should guide decisions that affect our children's health. Here's what's happening, why it matters, and what it means for your family—explained in plain language.

What Happened: A Change in Federal Vaccine Guidance

On January 5, 2026, the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signed a memorandum revising the federally recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. This new guidance significantly reduces the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all U.S. children.

Key concerns about this change:
- The revision did not follow the established, rigorous process typically used for vaccine policy recommendations
- It was not vetted by independent medical experts, public health organizations, healthcare providers, or the public before release
- The changes were based primarily on comparing the number of vaccines recommended in the U.S. versus select other countries—without accounting for differences in disease risk, healthcare access, or population health between nations
- Importantly, the changes were not driven by new data on vaccine safety or effectiveness

Why the West Coast Health Alliance Is Responding

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA)—a partnership of California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii—has issued a clear statement: We continue to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.

Why does this matter?
- Vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, whooping cough, and meningitis haven't disappeared—they can return quickly if vaccination rates drop
- Children who get sick miss school, parents miss work, and some face hospitalization or even death
- Confusion about vaccine recommendations can lead to delays or missed doses, putting more children at risk

As the WCHA states: "These changes create confusion and will put more children at risk of preventable diseases."

Why the AAP Schedule Remains the Gold Standard

The AAP immunization schedule isn't arbitrary. It's built on decades of rigorous research and clinical experience, considering six critical factors:

When children are most vulnerable to specific diseases
When vaccines work best with children's developing immune systems
The safety profile of each recommended vaccine
The current risk of diseases in the United States
Access to healthcare and immunization services across the country
Cost-effectiveness of implementing national recommendations

While factors like disease vulnerability and vaccine safety are consistent globally, the other considerations—like disease prevalence and healthcare infrastructure—vary significantly between countries. That's why a schedule designed for one nation may not be appropriate for another.

Learn more about the AAP immunization schedule: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/

What This Means for Families Right Now

Your Child's Vaccines Are Still Covered

Good news: Insurance coverage for vaccines is not expected to change for this plan year. All child and adolescent immunizations recommended as of December 31, 2025 will remain available and covered by both public and private insurers in California and across the West Coast.

You Can Still Get Vaccines Easily

Contact your child's pediatrician or family provider
Visit a local pharmacy (many offer pediatric vaccines)
Use California's scheduling portal: myturn.ca.gov
Check with your county health department for community clinics

Keep Following Your Provider's Guidance

The AAP schedule serves as a starting point for conversations between families and healthcare providers. Parents should continue to make informed decisions about their children's vaccines based on discussions with their child's doctor or nurse.

At Crestwood General, we partner with families to review each child's health history, address questions, and create personalized immunization plans that follow evidence-based recommendations.

Understanding the Bigger Picture: Why Process Matters

Before 2025, the AAP endorsed CDC recommendations because they were developed through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—a transparent, expert-driven process that includes:

Rigorous review of disease risk data in the United States
Comprehensive evaluation of vaccine safety and effectiveness
Input from pediatricians, family physicians, public health experts, and patient advocates
Opportunities for public comment and scientific peer review

When vaccine policy bypasses this careful process, it risks undermining public trust and, ultimately, children's health.

Explore how CDC vaccine recommendations are typically developed: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html

What the West Coast Health Alliance Is Doing

The WCHA states it will:
- Continue reviewing available vaccine science to ensure recommendations remain current and evidence-based
- Work to maintain access to all recommended vaccines across member states
- Examine how federal changes may impact vaccine access and coverage in California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii
- Support informed parental decision-making in partnership with healthcare providers

Each state in the alliance is assessing the practical impact of these federal changes and taking steps to protect children's access to proven, life-saving immunizations.

For Parents: Your Role in Protecting Your Child

You are your child's most important health advocate. Here's how to stay empowered:

Keep a record of your child's vaccinations and share it with all providers
Ask questions at every well-child visit: Which vaccines are due? Why now? What are the benefits and risks?
Discuss concerns openly with your provider—no question is too small
Stay informed through trusted sources like the AAP, CDC, and your state health department
Schedule vaccines on time to ensure protection when your child needs it most

If you're unsure about your child's vaccine status or have questions about the schedule, reach out to your healthcare team. At Crestwood General, we welcome these conversations and are committed to providing clear, compassionate guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child still get all the vaccines they need?
Yes. In California and other West Coast states, healthcare providers continue to follow the AAP-recommended schedule. All vaccines recommended as of December 31, 2025 remain covered and available.

What if my provider mentions the new federal schedule?
Ask for clarification. Reaffirm that you want to follow the AAP schedule, which is supported by California and the West Coast Health Alliance. Your provider can help ensure your child receives evidence-based, timely protection.

Are vaccines still safe?
Yes. Vaccine safety monitoring in the United States is among the most robust in the world. The recent federal schedule changes were not based on new safety concerns. Decades of data continue to confirm that recommended vaccines are safe and effective.

What if I have concerns about a specific vaccine?
Talk with your child's provider. They can review the science, address your questions, and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your family's values and your child's health needs.

Where can I find reliable vaccine information?
Trusted sources include:
- American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/
- CDC Vaccine Information for Parents: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html
- California Department of Public Health Immunization: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization.aspx

For Healthcare Providers: Supporting Families Through Change

If you care for children and adolescents, your role in providing clear, consistent guidance is more important than ever.

Key actions:
- Continue following the AAP Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
- Discuss any schedule changes transparently with families, emphasizing the evidence base for current recommendations
- Reassure patients that vaccine coverage and access remain unchanged for this plan year
- Document vaccine discussions and decisions in the medical record
- Share trusted resources to help families navigate information

Access clinical resources:
- AAP Immunization Schedule: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/
- CDC Provider Vaccine Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/index.html
- CDPH Immunization Guidance: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization.aspx

Trusted Resources for More Information

American Academy of Pediatrics – Immunizations: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/
CDC Vaccine Information for the Public: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html
California Department of Public Health – Immunization: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization.aspx
CDC Vaccine Safety Monitoring: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html
Immunization Action Coalition – Parent Resources: https://www.immunize.org/parents/
California MyTurn Vaccine Scheduling: https://myturn.ca.gov

Your Child's Health Is Worth Protecting

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent serious illness, protect communities, and give every child the chance to thrive. When science guides policy—and when families and providers partner with trust and transparency—children win.

At Crestwood General, we stand with the West Coast Health Alliance and the American Academy of Pediatrics in supporting evidence-based immunization recommendations. We're here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide compassionate, science-based care for your child.

Stay informed. Stay empowered. And know that you're not alone on this journey. Because when it comes to your child's health, every question matters—and every dose of protection counts.