Opposition to updated routine immunization schedule circulates online

The CDC’s updated recommended immunization schedule is being criticized for the inclusion of RSV and COVID-19 vaccines for children and older and pregnant adults. An anti-vaccine website published an article calling for COVID-19 vaccines to be removed from all immunization schedules, while several popular posts argue that people, particularly infants and pregnant people, receive too many vaccines.

Risk level: Medium

Recommendation: While these types of articles primarily circulate in vaccine opponent circles, they may discourage patients from getting recommended vaccines for themselves and for their children. Messaging may emphasize that the CDC’s immunization schedules are not requirements; they are evidence-based recommendations to help protect individuals and communities against infectious diseases. Respiratory infections like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are particularly dangerous to certain vulnerable populations, including infants, young children, and older and pregnant adults.