Please be aware that the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and approvals have changed for the 2025-2026 season. This year, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend that vaccination for COVID-19 be determined by individual decision-making rather than universally recommended. ACIP’s recommendation applies to all individuals six months and older. It includes an emphasis that the risk-benefit of vaccination in individuals under age 65 is most favorable for those who are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for individuals who are not at an increased risk, according to the CDC list of COVID-19 risk factors.

The FDA approved the COVID-19 vaccination for use in people 65 and older and younger individuals with certain conditions that place them at risk for severe COVID-19. For children that don’t meet this criteria, this will be considered off-label administration of the vaccine.

The AAP recommends all young children ages 6-23 months get vaccinated against COVID-19 along with other children in certain risk groups, based on evidence of who can benefit the most from the vaccine.  Hilliard Pediatrics will be following the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for COVID vaccines this season which are as follows:

• Infants and children 6 through 23 months of age (less than 2) - The AAP recommends all children ages 6-23 months receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine as follows.  Note: vaccine schedule listed is for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine ONLY.  Hilliard Pediatrics does not carry the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Unvaccinated - will receive 2 doses Moderna 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, at least 4 weeks apart.
  • 1 dose of any Modera COVID-19 vaccine - will receive 1 dose of Moderna 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, at least 4 weeks after the most recent dose.
  • 2 doses of previous season COVID-19 vaccine - will receive 1 dose of Moderna 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.
• Risk-based for 2 - 18 years of age - The AAP recommends a single dose of age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for all children and adolescents 2 through 18 years of age in the following risk groups, regardless of prior vaccination status:
  • Persons at high risk of severe COVID-19
  • Residents of long-term care facilities or other congregate settings
  • Persons who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
  • Persons whose household contacts are at high risk for severe COVID-19
• Severely immunocompromised - The AAP recommends children 6 months through 18 years of age who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive 2 or more doses of age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine depending on previous vaccination status.  If you think your child meets this criteria, please discuss it with your provider at an appointment or call the office and we will send a message to have your child's provider review the chart and confirm they meet this criteria.
• Parent/Guardian request - The AAP recommends children not included in the risks groups above whose parent or gurdian desires their protection from COVID-19 should be offered a single dose of age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.  This dose should be administered at least 8 weeks after the last dose was received.

Since this differs from the current recommendations from the CDC, we are unsure what insurance coverage might look like for this season. We recommend checking with your insurance plan to see if they are covering the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine and which groups qualify for full coverage.