The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children diverging from U.S. government guidelines for the first time in 30 years. The AAP strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for children aged 6 months to 2 years and advises vaccination for older children based on parental preference and underlying health conditions. This differs from the current government guidance under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesn't recommend shots for healthy children. The AAP's decision comes amidst a turbulent year for public health and conflicting government messaging on vaccinations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.