DC Health Statement on CDC Childhood Immunization Schedule Changes

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Published January 8th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

DC Health issued a notice clarifying that the District's childhood immunization schedule remains unchanged despite recent modifications by the CDC. The notice assures that all recommended vaccines, including those for influenza and COVID-19, continue to be covered by insurers at no out-of-pocket cost to families in the District.

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What changed

DC Health has issued a notice to address recent changes made by the CDC to the national childhood immunization schedule. The District's own immunization schedule, which aligns with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians, remains unchanged. This means that all recommended vaccines, including those for influenza and COVID-19, will continue to be available to children in the District without out-of-pocket costs, covered by both public and private insurers.

Healthcare providers and families in the District are advised that current vaccination protocols are still in effect. DC Health encourages parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on their immunizations and to contact their healthcare provider with any questions. The agency also highlighted its 'Docket' app for real-time access to immunization records.

What to do next

Ensure children in the District receive the full range of recommended vaccines.
Healthcare providers should continue to offer all recommended vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost.

Source document (simplified)

Thursday, January 8, 2026 On January 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made changes to the national childhood immunization schedule. The District’s immunization schedule (https://vaccines.dc.gov/page/schools-early-childhood) remains unchanged and continues to be covered by all District public and private insurers. Families in the District should continue to receive the full range of recommended vaccines recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians including those for influenza and COVID-19, to protect their children from serious disease. Health care providers and hospitals can continue to offer these vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost to patients.

Vaccines are the most effective tool to prevent illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. As a trusted public health agency, we rely on decades of scientific evidence, data, research, and clinical expertise to make thoughtful and evidence-based decisions about the most appropriate vaccine protocols for children. We also offer District residents a new service, Docket, an app that allows parents to check their children’s immunization records in real time: https://vaccines.dc.gov/page/immunization-records-docket

DC Health remains committed to protecting the District’s children from preventable illnesses through the full range of seasonal and routine immunizations. The agency encourages all families to ensure their children are up to date and contact their child’s health care provider if they have any questions. For more information on vaccine access in the District: https://vaccines.dc.gov/.