FACTS IN FOCUS:
Your Trusted Guide to Vaccine News, Resources, and Events
| | The CDC has released updated outbreak communication tools and preparedness resources to help clinicians and communities respond quickly to measles exposures and limit transmission, such as the Be Ready for Measles Toolkit with sample communication materials and outreach templates, and public health checklists for planning and messaging during outbreaks. | |
| A historic ruling that blocks implementation of a federal childhood immunization schedule while an AAP lawsuit proceeds is a win for child health, AAP officials said Monday. The ruling also finds that the 13 federal vaccine advisers serving on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) were unlawfully appointed and halts their previous decisions. | |
| The NJ Department of Health recently issued a recommendation to continue RSV Monoclonal Antibody Products through 4/30/36, due to data that shows a prolonged and later RSV season as compared to historical patterns. If NJAAP members face denials for providing these products beyond March 31, 2026, please feel free to complete the NJAAP Hassle Factor Form. | |
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States Sue to Restore Removed Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
| On February 24, New Jersey and 14 other states filed a lawsuit against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his role as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The lawsuit seeks to reverse a decision made the previous month that removed seven vaccines from the recommended childhood immunization schedule and to restore those recommendations. | | | | | Medical Experts Assess Potential Effects of New Vaccine Guidelines | Academic physicians discuss the possible consequences of the new vaccine guidelines, noting that reduced vaccination recommendations could lead to the return and increased spread of diseases that have largely been controlled or rarely seen in recent decades. | | | | | RFK Jr.’s Childhood Vaccine Changes Stopped By Judge: What To Know In NJ | The judge's ruling follows changes made to the childhood vaccination schedule in January, which reduced the number of recommended shots. | | |
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NJAAP Pediatric Pulse: The Impact of Vaccine Delivery and Payment Coverage on Patient Care [NJAAP]
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. As part of our ongoing commitment to improve immunization access and delivery for patients across NJ, please complete this survey to share your feedback on vaccine accessibility, administration, and payment coverage. Thank you!
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Measles: What Parents Need to Know [healthychildren.org]
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Measles infection can lead to serious health problems, especially in babies and young children. Fortunately, measles is a vaccine-preventable illness
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AAP Guide: Vaccines Your Child Needs by Age 6 [AAP]
Have you ever wondered why babies get vaccines starting from the day they're born? One big reason: the youngest of us are most at risk of getting sick. It's also the time in your child's development that their immune system learns the most from the vaccine. Early immunizations help children build immunity at the best time—before they are exposed to germs that can make them very sick. We can prevent life-threatening diseases with vaccines. That's why most of the childhood vaccines are recommended during your baby's first 12 to 18 months of life.
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RSV Immunizations: Two Ways to Protect Babies [healthychildren.org]
Infections with the RSV virus (respiratory syncytial virus) are most common during late fall through early spring months. The timing can be different in some parts of the country.
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Spring 2026 Basic Course for Principals of Infection Prevention and Control
April 14-16, 2026
In Person at the New Jersey Hospital Association Conference and Event Center
| | Hosted by the Northern Infection Control Educators (NICE), this course is designed to provide basic information on a variety of infection control and prevention topics to help prepare the new Infection Preventionist, or person responsible for Infection Prevention and Control, to perform the duties required in various types of healthcare settings. Registration will be available February 16th (8:00 AM) through April 4th (11:59 PM). Please click the link above to learn more and register for the course. | | | |
Addressing Vaccine Myths and Barriers: Building Confidence Through Cultural Humility.
April 24, 2026
12pm - 1pm ET
Presented by Ashlesha Kaushik, M.D., M.S., FAAP
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This educational webinar focuses on strengthening vaccine confidence by deepening understanding of cultural, historical, and structural barriers that influence immunization decisions. Participants will learn practical strategies to identify and address vaccine myths and concerns using culturally humble, patient-centered communication. Building on the historical and ethical context introduced in Webinar 1, the session emphasizes trust-building approaches that support equitable vaccine uptake across diverse communities.
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Vaccines Today and Tomorrow: Current Guidance, Emerging Science, and the Future of Vaccine Technology.
Monday, May 18, 2026
12pm - 1pm ET
Presented by Usha Hasan, M.D.
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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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