# Here’s Your Cheat Sheet for Vaccine Recommendations Backed by Science by [[Jen Christiansen]], and [[Meghan Bartels]] > [!summary] > This article provides comprehensive vaccine recommendation charts for children and adults based on 2024 CDC guidelines, created as a public resource amid concerns about changing vaccine policies under new health leadership. [[Articles Collection|↖ Articles]] • **[Read this on Scientific American](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-vaccine-recommendations-backed-by-science-in-these-handy-charts/)** ## TLDR; - Vaccine recommendation charts for children from birth through age 18 - Adult vaccination guidelines for ages 19 and older - Detailed explanations of diseases prevented by each vaccine - Context about recent changes to CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - Science-based vaccine scheduling information as of November 2024 ### Recap #### Vaccine Recommendations Under Threat With [[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]] now leading the Department of Health and Human Services, established vaccine recommendations face unprecedented challenges. Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in June, replacing them with 8 new appointees just weeks before their scheduled meeting. #### Children's Vaccine Schedule (Birth to 6 Years) The comprehensive vaccination schedule includes: - [[RSV]] antibody protection for infants - [[Hepatitis A]] and [[Hepatitis B]] vaccines - [[Rotavirus]], [[DTaP]], and [[Hib]] immunizations - [[Pneumococcal]], [[Polio]], and [[COVID]] vaccines - Annual [[Influenza]] shots - [[Chickenpox]] and [[MMR]] vaccines #### Adolescent Vaccines (Ages 7-18) Key vaccinations for this age group include: - [[Tdap]] booster shots - [[COVID]] and annual [[Influenza]] vaccines - [[Meningococcal B]] and [[Meningococcal ACWY]] protection - [[HPV]] vaccine series - [[Mpox]] and [[Dengue]] vaccines where indicated #### Adult Immunizations (19+ Years) Adult vaccine recommendations encompass: - [[Hepatitis A]] and [[Hepatitis B]] for at-risk populations - [[Tdap]]/[[Td]] boosters every 10 years - Annual [[COVID]] and [[Influenza]] vaccines - [[Shingles]] vaccine for adults 50+ - [[MMR]] for those without immunity - [[Meningococcal]] and [[HPV]] vaccines as indicated #### Disease Prevention Impact Vaccines protect against serious infections including: - **[[Respiratory Syncytial Virus]]**: Hospitalizes 58,000 children and 177,000 older adults annually - **[[Measles]]**: One of the most contagious viruses, with no cure available - **[[Pertussis]]**: The "100-day cough" that hospitalizes 1 in 5 infected infants - **[[HPV]]**: Causes nearly 38,000 cancers annually in the U.S. - **[[COVID]]**: Has contributed to over 1.2 million deaths since emergence #### Scientific Basis Under Question Traditionally, vaccine recommendations have been based on rigorous scientific research within ethical frameworks. Kennedy's wholesale replacement of ACIP members and proposals to test vaccines against inert placebos (rather than established vaccines) represent departures from standard evidence-based practices that have guided vaccine policy for decades. --- ## My notes: %% Enter notes below this line %%