January 30, 2026

Dear Kids Health First (KHF) Providers and Practice Administrators,

We have some important updates about payor updates, new programs, and upcoming events. There's a lot of information, and we want to keep you informed. Please read through this email carefully and let us know if you have any questions.

Important Updates

Winter Weather Preparedness Reminder for KHF Practices

Atlanta Weather Update: The Atlanta area is forecasted to experience snow and freezing temperatures on Saturday, with continued cold conditions into the weekend. These conditions increase the risk of icy roads, frozen or burst pipes, power outages, and access disruptions.

During past winter weather events, several Kids Health First practices experienced significant damage and operational interruptions. With snow expected, taking proactive steps now can help protect your practice and support continuity of care.

Key Actions to Take Now

Protect pipes: open cabinet doors, allow faucets on exterior walls to drip, insulate exposed pipes, and keep thermostats set at 55°F or higher
Confirm emergency contacts, staff communication plans, and enable weather alerts
Move critical equipment and supplies off the floor; verify generator readiness and protection of IT systems and vaccine storage
Review vaccine contingency plans and follow VFC guidance for storage and handling during power outages

Before the Event: Please review your Inclement Weather Policy to ensure clarity around closure decisions, staff and patient notifications, and pay/PTO considerations in the event of hazardous travel conditions.

Preparing ahead of Saturday’s snow can help reduce damage, protect vaccine supply, and maintain patient care.

AAP Releases 2026 Immunization Schedule

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its 2026 Immunization Schedule on January 26, reaffirming routine vaccine recommendations for children and adolescents. Notably, the AAP schedule maintains existing, evidence-based recommendations despite recent changes to the federal CDC schedule.

AAP leadership emphasized the importance of providing pediatricians and families with a stable, science-driven immunization framework, particularly amid growing confusion related to shifting federal guidance. The 2026 AAP schedule continues to recommend routine vaccination to protect against 18 diseases and includes only minor clarifications to notes and tables—no substantive changes to routine immunization recommendations.

The AAP is encouraging pediatricians to continue following the AAP schedule and to serve as a trusted source of vaccine information for families.

Read the full AAP summary and access the 2026 Immunization Schedule here.

AAP President Shares Context on 2026 Immunization Schedule

Following the release of the 2026 childhood immunization schedule, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) President, Dr. Andrew Racine, shared a message reinforcing the Academy’s continued commitment to evidence-based vaccine recommendations.

In his letter, Dr. Racine emphasized that the AAP’s 2026 schedule remains largely unchanged from prior guidance and is endorsed by 12 leading medical organizations representing more than one million health professionals nationwide. He also highlighted that the AAP’s recommendations differ from recent CDC schedule changes and reaffirmed the Academy’s longstanding role in providing science-backed, pediatric-focused guidance—particularly during a time of heightened public confusion and misinformation.

The message includes links to clinician and family resources, communication tools to support vaccine conversations, and educational opportunities related to the updated schedule.

Read the full letter from the AAP President and access related resources.