On January 27, Connecticut health officials say the state will continue to follow long-standing, science-based, childhood vaccination guidelines, even as federal officials consider changes to the national immunization schedule.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health this month endorsed the 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a leading organization representing pediatricians nationwide.

DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said the pediatricians’ recommendations reflect decades of medical research and continue to protect children and communities from preventable diseases.

“The AAP’s immunization schedule is grounded in strong scientific evidence that doctors, parents and public health officials can trust,” Juthani said. “These recommendations remain consistent with the protocols Connecticut has relied on for years to keep children healthy.”

What the AAP recommends

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2026 immunization schedule outlines the timing and use of routine vaccines for infants, children and adolescents. The recommendations are designed to protect children at the ages when they are most vulnerable to serious illness.

The schedule includes vaccines that prevent diseases such as measles, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis, meningitis and other serious infections. It also provides guidance for booster shots, catch-up vaccinations. and immunizations recommended during adolescence.

AAP officials say the schedule is reviewed regularly and updated only when supported by strong scientific evidence on safety and effectiveness.

Connecticut joins other states

Connecticut is one of fourteen states participating in the Governors Public Health Alliance that have chosen not to adopt recently proposed changes to the vaccine schedule announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The alliance is a coalition of governors working together to protect public health by coordinating across state lines, addressing shared health challenges and supporting access to critical health care services, including vaccines.

State health officials said there is no new scientific evidence supporting a change to Connecticut’s current childhood immunization standards.

Vaccine access and coverage unchanged

DPH emphasized that all routinely recommended childhood vaccines remain available throughout Connecticut through pediatricians, primary care providers, local health departments and federally supported immunization programs.

Vaccines continue to be covered by public and private insurance plans, including Medicaid and the federal Vaccines for Children program. Families are encouraged not to delay vaccination because of concerns about cost or access.

Parents are also urged to talk with trusted health care providers about the benefits and risks of vaccines, with decisions guided by medical evidence and shared clinical decision-making.

School requirements remain in effect

School immunization requirements in Connecticut have not changed. State law continues to require children to meet existing vaccination standards for school enrollment and attendance.

Health officials said any future changes to school vaccine requirements would require formal legislative and regulatory action before taking effect.

“Public health policy in Connecticut will continue to be driven by the best available evidence and data,” Juthani said. “Our responsibility to protect the health of our residents requires nothing less.”

Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health; American Academy of Pediatrics