FACTS IN FOCUS:

Your Trusted Guide to Vaccine News, Resources, and Events

June 2026 | Issue 4

Latest Announcements

New Jersey Included Among States Reporting Measles Activity

New Jersey is among the jurisdictions included in CDC measles surveillance updates this spring, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance around routine immunization, early identification of symptoms, and family outreach regarding vaccine-preventable diseases.

Federal Vaccine Advisory Committee Changes Continue to Evolve

Recent federal updates indicate additional changes to the structure and mission of ACIP, the committee responsible for informing vaccine recommendations and insurance coverage decisions. Ongoing developments may shape future vaccine guidance and are important for providers to monitor.

RFK Jr. removes leaders of preventive health panel

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the chair and vice chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the independent expert panel that helps shape recommendations for no-cost preventive care services, prompting concern about potential impacts on evidence-based health guidance and preventive care policy.

In the News

Court Battle Intensifies Over Controversial Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule

Federal health officials are appealing a court ruling that blocked a revised childhood immunization schedule that significantly reduced recommended vaccines. Medical groups, led by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), argue the changes were made without scientific backing or proper oversight. A judge has already halted implementation and questioned the legality of recent advisory committee appointments, while the case continues amid ongoing disputes over vaccine policy and governance.

Study Finds Maternal RSV Vaccination and Infant Immunization Safe—Effective Alone or Combined

A new clinical trial shows that maternal RSV vaccination and infant immunization with nirsevimab are both safe and produce strong antibody responses, whether given separately or together. Researchers found no serious safety concerns and noted that either approach provides strong protection for infants, with combination use offering flexibility in higher-risk situations.

FDA Blocks Publication of Vaccine Safety Studies, HHS Says

Federal officials say the FDA blocked publication of several studies supporting the safety of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines, citing concerns that their conclusions were not supported by the data. The move comes amid broader policy shifts on vaccines under current health leadership.

Resources for Providers

Pediatricians Didn’t Sign Up For This

Pediatricians discuss the significant impact of vaccine hesitancy on their practice operations, time, and resources within the pediatric practice.

VFC Program: Information for Health Care Providers

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. Find more enrollment information here.

The Pediatric Pulse: Strengthening NJ Vaccines for Children (VFC) Insight from Pediatric Practices Across NJ

Please take a moment to complete this short VFC survey. 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.

Resources for Families

New Jersey School Vaccine Requirements for Child Care

& Pre-School Flyer

This NJ Department of Health resource outlines the minimum vaccines required for children attending childcare and preschool programs in New Jersey, including age-based requirements, annual flu vaccination guidance, and important information on exemptions and provisional admission.

New Jersey School (K-12) Vaccine Requirements Flyer

This NJ Department of Health resource provides an easy-to-read overview of the vaccines required for school attendance in grades K–12, including guidance on catch-up schedules, exemptions, and grade-specific requirements to help children stay protected and school-ready.

What is the difference between the AAP immunization recommendations and other vaccine schedules?

You may have heard that federal health officials recently cut the number of recommended childhood vaccines. In January 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed several life-saving vaccines from its routine immunization schedule for kids. Many of the vaccines have been recommended by doctors for years. Here's what changed, why it matters and what families should do.

Multiple Vaccines at One Time

A healthy child receives support from many things: good nutrition, physical activity, regular checkups with the pediatrician and vaccines. Vaccines are important because they equip kids' immune systems to get ahead of serious, preventable diseases. But why do kids sometimes get several vaccine shots during one doctor appointment? And why do some shots contain more than one vaccine?

Mark Your Calendar

35th Annual School Health Conference

Oct. 21, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

The School Health Conference is dedicated to keeping you abreast of the latest best practices in pediatrics.

Whether you are looking to obtain continuing (CNE/CME) credits or dedicated to lifelong learning,

this conference provides a large selection of educational opportunities. In addition to the education offered in our program, the NJAAP also showcases the latest pediatric resources and innovations in School Health.

About Us

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.