Child and adult immunization schedules updated for 2026

At this moment in public health, here’s something impossible to overstate: Vaccines are our best defense against preventable diseases. They are safe, effective and save lives. 

Because public health is our collective responsibility, the AAFP stands with our members and public health partners to advocate for policies that boost vaccine confidence and uptake.   

Part of that ongoing work is to maintain our childhood and adult vaccine schedules, which have just been updated for 2026. This clear, practical, data-supported guidance is designed to support you and your fellow physicians and clinicians.

Child and adolescent immunization updates

Key changes to the child and adolescent immunization schedule for 2026 include

• Expanded and clarified guidance on meningococcal vaccines, including Penmenvy;
• Clearer, more current RSV monoclonal antibody (RSV‑mAb) guidance; and
• Updated table structure, column clarity, notes language and adjustments to ensure that similar vaccine products remain distinct.

Adult immunization schedule updates

Among the most noteworthy changes to the adult schedule are

• Revised product listings removing PreHevbrio and adding Penmenvy to trade-name listings and notes, with approved-use guidance; and
• Revised RSV-related notes and tables supporting strong recommendations and confident physician-patient conversations. 

Talking to patients about immunization

Alongside our latest schedules, familydoctor.org has updated patient resources with advice for protecting yourself from winter illnesses, tips for combatting cold and flu season, and a clear explanation of how vaccines work.

How the AAFP is defending vaccine science and public health

As I recently told you, we as family physicians have a duty to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations, listen empathetically to our patients’ worries and help them make informed decisions. Our immunization schedules support us in that work.

I want to remind you that our schedules emerge from a rigorous internal process. In developing immunization recommendations, the AAFP’s Commission on Health of the Public and Science each year analyzes recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, as well as the latest science and evidence. Our analysis this year included other data sources in addition to these usual sources before the recommendations went to the Board of Directors for a final determination. We are already working on the evidence for viral respiratory season and exploring the data around HPV vaccine dosing, among other efforts.

The Academy continues to urge that Congress preserve evidence-based vaccine recommendations, protect the ACIP’s integrity and independence, and ensure continued coverage of vaccines with no cost-sharing. This is straightforward advocacy for clear, consistent public health guidance.