09/23/2025
With recent changes to vaccine recommendations, we’re here to help you understand what they mean for your family. 👪
The American Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met last week and voted on updates to the national vaccine schedule. Two key areas were reviewed:
• Update on MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) Vaccine Procedure
• Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure
1️⃣ Update on MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) Vaccine Procedure
🟠 What stays the same:
• Children should still receive vaccines for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Chickenpox at 12 months and again at 4 years old.
🟠 What’s changing:
• At 12 months, children should receive separate MMR and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines instead of the combination MMRV vaccine. (Many physicians were already following this procedure)
• The MMRV combination vaccine is now only recommended for children age 4 and up.
🟠 Bottom line:
MMR and Varicella vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for children's health. These vaccines will continue to be widely available and covered by insurance.
2️⃣ Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure
The ACIP updated its recommendation to allow for more individual choice based on medical advice. This guidance is broader than the procedure the FDA issued earlier this summer.
🟠 What stays the same:
• Children ages 6 months to 17 years: COVID-19 vaccination should be based on shared decision-making between families and healthcare providers.
• Adults over 65 and people with high-risk conditions continue to benefit most from getting the vaccine.
• The vaccine is covered by government programs and most private insurance.
🟠 What’s changing:
• Adults ages 18–64 no longer have a general recommendation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Instead, they should decide based on a conversation with their healthcare provider.
🟠 What Other Leading Organizations Are Saying:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
• Recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for:
• All infants 6–23 months
• All high-risk children ages 6 months–18 years
• Any child whose parent wants them vaccinated
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
• Recommends COVID-19 vaccination for:
• Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy, postpartum, or breastfeeding
New York State (NYS):
• Anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get one
• Pharmacists can give the vaccine without a prescription
🟠 Bottom Line:
• In New York State, anyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can receive it.
• The vaccine offers strong protection — especially for:
• Infants under age 2
• Adults over 65
• High-risk individuals (heart disease, diabetes, asthma, weakened immune systems)
• Anyone seeking extra protection is encouraged to get vaccinated.
