

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Today in Pediatrics
It's World Health Day — And Your Child's Vaccines Still Matter
The AAP stands firm: all 18 recommended childhood vaccines remain essential
Today is World Health Day, and this year's theme — Together for health. Stand with science — hits close to home for families. Earlier this year, the CDC reduced its recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11. The American Academy of Pediatrics disagreed and kept all its recommendations in place, backed by 12 major medical organizations. The bottom line for parents: the AAP still recommends vaccines against 18 preventable diseases, and your pediatrician is the best person to guide your family's decisions.
Read more →Quick Updates
What Is World Health Day?
April 7 marks the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. This year's theme celebrates science's role in keeping families healthy around the globe.
AAP vs. CDC: What Changed?
The CDC trimmed its childhood vaccine list in January. The AAP kept all 18 disease protections, including hepatitis A and B, flu, RSV, and rotavirus. Twelve major medical groups agree with the AAP.
Vaccines Have Saved 154 Million Children
Over the past 50 years, global immunization has saved more than 154 million young lives and cut infant mortality by 40 percent, according to the WHO.
World Immunization Week Is Coming Up
Mark your calendar: April 24 to 30 is World Immunization Week. It's a great time to check that your child's shots are up to date.
