FACTS IN FOCUS:

Your Trusted Guide to Vaccine News, Resources, and Events

March 2026 | Issue 1

Latest Announcements

CDC Updates

U.S. Childhood Immunization Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented a revised national childhood immunization framework that reduces the number of vaccines universally recommended to focus on key diseases and places others into shared clinical decision‑making or high‑risk categories.

AAP Releases 2026 Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Schedule

In response to the updated CDC immunization schedule, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published its 2026 recommended immunization schedule encouraging routine vaccination against 18 vaccine‑preventable diseases for providers and families.

(March 18-19)

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet in late February; a forum where new data and potential future updates to vaccine recommendations are discussed. Watching for ACIP announcements can help clinicians plan for what’s next in vaccine policy and practice.

In the News

ICYMI: Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Protecting Vaccine Access and Affordability in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that establishes state-based immunization guidance and aligns health insurance coverage requirements with recommendations from the New Jersey Department of Health.

Vaccine tracking in NJ is expanding. 'Medical choice' group is challenging new rules

The New Jersey Coalition for Vaccination Choice is appealing changes adopted Jan. 20 by the state Department of Health that expand who’s required to be included in the vaccine registry and allow private institutions to impose additional vaccine requirements.

Thousands more N.J. kids are skipping vaccines. See how your country compares.

Vaccination rates among New Jersey children continue to fall as religious exemptions rise, a trend that public health experts say may contribute to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

N.J. reshapes its vaccine policy after controversial federal guidance. Health care industry applauds it.

Amid weakening federal recommendations for vaccines, the health care industry is applauding New Jersey’s decision to rely on medical experts beyond the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine panel under a law signed by former Gov. Phil Murphy on Sunday.

Independent vaccine science review launched.

Leading physician groups have partnered to create an independent vaccine science review initiative to assess the safety and effectiveness of key immunizations, offering an additional evidence resource for clinicians and families.

Measles exposure alert in New Brunswick.

New Jersey health officials issued a public health alert after a measles infected individual visited the pediatric emergency department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, urging those present during the exposure window to monitor for symptoms and ensure up-to-date MMR vaccination.

Resources for Providers

Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2026.

Policy Statement

The AAP policy statement outlines evidence-based recommendations for routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations, providing clinicians with guidance on vaccine timing, catch-up schedules, and shared clinical decision-making.

2026 AAP Immunization Schedule

The 2026 AAP immunization schedule presents a clear, practical chart for clinicians to reference at well-child visits, showing recommended vaccines by age and highlighting updates from the latest policy guidance.

January Vaccine Communication Workshop

AAP and partners shared updates on the national and state-level campaigns. Dr. Sean O’Leary discussed the evidence-based process AAP uses to make its recommendations, a breakdown of the 2026 schedule, and new resources. Practical strategies about the AAP schedule and how it differs from the CDC schedule are shared.
To be added to the workshop invite list, please email Haley Spencer at hspencer@aap.org.

National AAP's Clinician-Family Immunization Communications FAQs

National AAP’s Clinician-Family Immunization Communications FAQs [AAP]: Families may have many questions regarding the recent news regarding the CDC changes to the childhood immunization schedule. This FAQ is designed to provide clinicians with ways to frame conversations in response to these questions.

Communicating with Families and Promoting Vaccine Confidence

Communicating with Families and Promoting Vaccine Confidence [AAP]: You are families’ most trusted source of immunization information. Use these resources to communicate effectively.

Free module: Increasing Immunization Confidence

Free online module: Increasing Immunization Confidence [Bodyswaps]:

Establish a culture that promotes immunization confidence
Open the conversation with a strong recommendation using the presumptive format
Respond with empathy to concerns about immunization using motivational interviewing
Tailor communication to different individuals and situations

NJAAP Pediatric Pulse: The Impact of Vaccine Delivery and Payment Coverage on Patient Care.

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.

Resources for Families

All About the AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule

This parent-friendly guide helps families understand the AAP’s 2026 immunization recommendations, explaining which vaccines children and teens need and why they matter.

AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule - 2026: Child Birth Through 6 Years Old:

A clear, easy-to-read chart showing recommended vaccines from birth through early childhood, helping parents track immunizations and plan well-child visits.

AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule - 2026: Adolescents 7 Through 18 Years Old:

A similarly accessible chart for school-age children and teens, highlighting vaccines recommended during adolescence and key opportunities for catch-up immunizations.

Mark Your Calendar

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.

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.