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Vaccine Update for Healthcare ProvidersEvery February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with several professional societies, releases updated versions of the recommended U.S. immunization schedules for children and teens, as well as for adults. The 2021 versions were published on the CDC website on Feb. 12, 2021, and accompanying MMWR articles were released simultaneously. Information on these publications is highlighted below.
Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger — This eight-page PDF includes the age-based routine vaccination schedule for children and teens (Table 1), the recommended "catch-up" immunization schedule for those who start late or who are more than one month behind schedule (Table 2), and the recommended schedule by medical indication (Table 3). The Notes section following the tables provides essential details about use of each of the recommended vaccines.
ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger – U.S., 202 — This MMWR article contains full details about the changes made to the child/teen schedule since the 2020 edition, background information on the schedule, and mentions use of COVID-19 vaccine under Emergency Use Authorization.
Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years and Older — This six-page document includes the age-based routine schedule immunization for adults (Table 1) and recommendations based on medical condition and other indications (Table 2). The Notes section following the tables provides important details about use of each of the recommended vaccines.
ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adult Aged 19 Years or Older – U.S., 2021 — This MMWR article contains full details about the changes made to the adult schedule since the 2020 edition, background information on the schedule, and mentions use of COVID-19 vaccine under Emergency Use Authorization.
Every year, the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) develops laminated versions of the U.S. immunization schedules and makes them available for purchase. The schedules are printed eight-sided or six-sided (child/teen and adult versions, respectively) and fold to measure 8 ½” x 11”, conveniently fitting into exam room racks. The 2021 laminated schedules are now available for preorder and will be mailed the first week of March.
For more information (including pricing and bulk purchase discounts), visit IAC’s website:
Contributed by: Deborah Wexler, MD
Categories: Vaccine Update February 2021, Technically Speaking
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.