They stipulate that the recommendation does not make immunization mandatory.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously voted on Thursday to include the COVID-19 vaccines in the recommended immunization schedules for both children and adults in 2023. This program provides certain vaccines for all children over the age of six months without cost to the parents. With full federal subsidization of COVID-19 vaccines due to end in early 2023, adding COVID-19 vaccines to the program will continue to provide free doses to children.
“We recognize that there is concern around this, but moving Covid-19 to the recommended immunization schedule does not impact what vaccines are required for school entrance, if any,” said committee member Dr. Nirav Shah who is also director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. She added, “There are vaccines that are on the schedule right now that are not required for school attendance in many jurisdictions, such as seasonal influenza. Local control matters, and we honor that.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the president’s health administrators as they determine recommendations for the public.
- For state and local leaders to be discerning in their implementation of federal health guidelines.
- For parents and guardians to make the best choices for the health of their children.
Sources: CNN, Reuters
