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CDC Updates Immunization Schedule: New MMR, Chickenpox, COVID-19 Guidelines

Get ready for changes to your child's MMR and chickenpox shots. Plus, new COVID-19 vaccination guidance lets you decide based on your personal health situation.

This is a poster in this image there is some text, and there is chicken.
This is a poster in this image there is some text, and there is chicken.

CDC Updates Immunization Schedule: New MMR, Chickenpox, COVID-19 Guidelines

The CDC has updated its immunization schedule, with significant changes to recommendations for MMR, chickenpox, and COVID-19 vaccines. Acting Director Jim O'Neill has signed off on the new guidelines, which were approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

In a shift from previous advice, children are now advised to receive two separate shots for MMR and chickenpox. The ACIP voted to no longer recommend the first dose of the MMRV vaccine for children around 12 months old. Instead, the MMRV shot is recommended as an option for a child's second dose. This change aims to simplify the immunization schedule and reduce the number of shots children receive at once.

Regarding COVID-19 vaccines, the universal recommendation for annual shots has been abandoned. Americans are now advised to get COVID-19 vaccines based on individual decision-making, taking into account factors such as age, health conditions, and previous infections. This shift reflects the evolving nature of the virus and the availability of effective treatments.

The CDC's updated immunization schedule reflects a more nuanced approach to vaccination, with a focus on individual needs and circumstances. The changes to MMR and chickenpox vaccination schedules aim to make the process easier for parents and healthcare providers, while the revised COVID-19 vaccination guidance empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

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