Are pediatricians getting rich by giving vaccines?
This question relates to a concern some people have about vaccines — that healthcare providers, specifically pediatricians, are recommending vaccines because they make a lot of money by giving them or from incentives that they receive.
Recently, a group of scientists from the Center for Unbiased Science and Health published a 27-page, in-depth report of what they found when they explored this question. The report is a good reminder that simple talking points usually have more complexities behind them than what they suggest on their face.
If you have wondered about this issue, the report is definitely worth a look.
The immunization schedule in the news
In early January 2026, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced changes to the recommended vaccines in the U.S. The process by which these changes were made was unprecedented, and the suggested changes were not based on any new science. The stated goal was to better align the U.S. schedule with that of “peer countries.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and many other scientists, clinicians and professional organizations quickly pushed back, with the AAP publishing their own 2026 schedule, endorsed by at least 12 other professional organizations, shortly thereafter. This announcement and the responses to it may have left families wondering where to turn.
If you are among them, here are some resources that can help:
- Always a voice of the science, Dr. Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center (VEC), directly addressed the HHS changes in this short video, “January 2026: Why the Recent CDC Changes to the Vaccine Schedule Don’t Make Sense.”
- The AAP released an article answering the question, “What is the difference between the AAP immunization recommendations and other vaccine schedules?”
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia released a statement, “CHOP’s Response to Recommended Changes to the Childhood Vaccine Schedule: What families should know.”
- Several years ago, the VEC developed a webpage that discusses the reasons behind differences in vaccination schedules among countries, “Global Immunization: Controlling the Spread of Disease.”
- The VEC also has a page that describes the science behind the schedule, “Science Behind the Vaccine Schedule.”
Are you a vaccine advocate?
Do you find yourself having discussions about vaccines? Do you wish you had a better idea of how to address vaccine concerns?
If you answered yes to either (or both) of these questions, you might want to check out the Voices for Vaccines program, “Vaccine Advocates.” As part of their program, you will be able to participate in free training sessions and get tools and resources that can help when you are discussing vaccines — or other topics that you may find yourself advocating.
Find out more by completing the “volunteer” form on the Voices for Vaccines website.
Not familiar with Voices for Vaccines? They are a great resource for up-to-date information and support for families seeking credible sources and understanding conversations about vaccines. Check out their website and resources.
Are pediatricians getting rich by giving vaccines?
This question relates to a concern some people have about vaccines — that healthcare providers, specifically pediatricians, are recommending vaccines because they make a lot of money by giving them or from incentives that they receive.
Recently, a group of scientists from the Center for Unbiased Science and Health published a 27-page, in-depth report of what they found when they explored this question. The report is a good reminder that simple talking points usually have more complexities behind them than what they suggest on their face.
If you have wondered about this issue, the report is definitely worth a look.
The immunization schedule in the news
In early January 2026, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced changes to the recommended vaccines in the U.S. The process by which these changes were made was unprecedented, and the suggested changes were not based on any new science. The stated goal was to better align the U.S. schedule with that of “peer countries.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and many other scientists, clinicians and professional organizations quickly pushed back, with the AAP publishing their own 2026 schedule, endorsed by at least 12 other professional organizations, shortly thereafter. This announcement and the responses to it may have left families wondering where to turn.
If you are among them, here are some resources that can help:
- Always a voice of the science, Dr. Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center (VEC), directly addressed the HHS changes in this short video, “January 2026: Why the Recent CDC Changes to the Vaccine Schedule Don’t Make Sense.”
- The AAP released an article answering the question, “What is the difference between the AAP immunization recommendations and other vaccine schedules?”
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia released a statement, “CHOP’s Response to Recommended Changes to the Childhood Vaccine Schedule: What families should know.”
- Several years ago, the VEC developed a webpage that discusses the reasons behind differences in vaccination schedules among countries, “Global Immunization: Controlling the Spread of Disease.”
- The VEC also has a page that describes the science behind the schedule, “Science Behind the Vaccine Schedule.”
Are you a vaccine advocate?
Do you find yourself having discussions about vaccines? Do you wish you had a better idea of how to address vaccine concerns?
If you answered yes to either (or both) of these questions, you might want to check out the Voices for Vaccines program, “Vaccine Advocates.” As part of their program, you will be able to participate in free training sessions and get tools and resources that can help when you are discussing vaccines — or other topics that you may find yourself advocating.
Find out more by completing the “volunteer” form on the Voices for Vaccines website.
Not familiar with Voices for Vaccines? They are a great resource for up-to-date information and support for families seeking credible sources and understanding conversations about vaccines. Check out their website and resources.