FACTS IN FOCUS:
Your Trusted Guide to Vaccine News, Resources, and Events
| | A federal court ruling issued in late March continues to impact vaccine policy this month, temporarily halting ACIP’s ability to issue new recommendations, and leaving questions about guidance and insurance coverage for updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines ahead of the fall respiratory virus season. | |
| On April 17, the CDC renewed ACIP’s charter through 2028, but changes to committee language and priorities are raising questions among public health leaders about how future vaccine recommendations may be developed. Providers should continue monitoring for updates as federal guidance evolves. | |
| | | Health officials warn that a highly contagious stomach virus, identified as rotavirus, is spreading at elevated levels across New Jersey and the U.S. The illness can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, especially in young children. Experts stress that vaccination remains the most effective defense, preventing up to 98% of severe cases and dramatically reducing hospitalizations compared to pre-vaccine years. | | | | | More than 100 health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, are raising concerns over new changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. They argue the revisions—such as increased focus on rare vaccine injuries and expanded membership criteria—could weaken confidence in vaccines and limit access to critical immunizations, potentially impacting public health nationwide. | | | |
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March Vaccine Communications Workshop
March 23, 2026 - Desi Mendez
| April Vaccine Communications Workshop | |
April AAP Vaccine Communications Workshop
Watch the March AAP Vaccine Communications Workshop using password, AprilVaxCon2026.
| Increase your practice’s immunization rates by using evidence-based strategies. Consider implementing one or more of the following strategies to improve your rates. | |
Office Strategies for Improving Immunization Rates
An AAP resource providing strategies to improve immunization rates through better office practices and patient engagement.
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The Pediatric Pulse:
Strengthening NJ Vaccines for Children (VFC)
Insight from Pediatric Practices Across NJ
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NJAAP Pediatric Pulse: Strengthening NJ Vaccines for Children (VFC) – Insight from Pediatric Practices Across NJ
The Pediatric Pulse is a way to capture real-time data and insights from pediatric practices across NJ. Gathering key information on issues pediatric physicians face on an ongoing basis helps identify trends, advocate for improvements, and effectively communicate with insurance plans. The NJ Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at no cost for eligible children, helping ensure access to routine recommended immunizations and reducing financial barriers for families. Your feedback will help identify what works well, where administrative or operational challenges exist, and how the program can better support pediatric practices across NJ. Thank you!
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How Vaccines for Children & Teens Work [healthychidlren.org]
Have you ever wondered how a tiny shot can keep a baby from getting a serious disease? When they are born, babies have immunity to some diseases passed on to them by their mother. But the immunity does not last or protect babies from all vaccine-preventable diseases.
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HPV Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know [healthychildren.org]
Learn more about human papillomavirus. Help protect your child against HPV-related cancers with this parent-friendly resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics. This interactive guide answers common questions about the HPV vaccine, including when kids should get it, how it works, and why vaccination is recommended before exposure to the virus.
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AAP-Recommended Vaccines for 'Tweens, Teens & Young Adults [healthychildren.org]
Starting at around age 7 to 18 years, kids and teens need a number of important vaccines to protect them. The vaccines that are recommended for them help prevent major health problems—including infertility, muscle paralysis, brain damage, blindness, deafness and cancer.
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May Vaccine Communications Workshop
May 18, 2026 - 12PM EST
| | Monday, May 18th at 12 PM EST. Dr. Tommy Martin and Scott Hadland will discuss how to make an influence on news and social media. | | | |
Vaccines Today and Tomorrow: Current Guidance, Emerging Science, and the Future of Vaccine Technology.
Monday, May 18, 2026
12pm - 1pm ET
Presented by Uzma Hasan, M.D.
| | This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of current clinical guidance for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccinations, including recent disease trends nationally and within New Jersey. The session will also explore emerging vaccine science and the growing potential for vaccines to prevent and treat rare and emerging diseases. Participants will gain insight into what remains foundational in vaccine practice, what is new in the current landscape, and what may lie ahead in vaccine innovation and clinical care. | | | Contact NJAAP to tap our expertise and assistance in supporting your efforts to protect all children in New Jersey. | | |
The mission of the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) is the attainment of optimal health, safety and well-being of New Jersey’s infants, children, adolescents, young adults and promotion of pediatricians, primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical sub specialists and pediatric surgical specialists as the best qualified of all health professionals to provide child healthcare.
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