- CDC restores official U.S. immunization schedules to July 2, 2025, versions to comply with March 16 court order
- "Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Nursing Home Residents and Health Care Personnel—United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season" published in MMWR
- Immunize.org and the Autism Science Foundation update “Evidence Shows Vaccines Unrelated to Autism"
- Immunize.org updates “MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism: Examine the Evidence!”
- Hepatitis Awareness Month begins May 1; every person from birth through age 59 years should be protected with hepatitis B vaccination
- Measles 2026: 1,792 confirmed measles cases so far this year; Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Rhode Island join list of states with 2026 cases
- Extended RSV preventive antibody season winds down in jurisdictions that extended their season to April 30; only high-risk infants will need a dose in their second season
- Vaccines in the news
- Spotlight on the website: “Introducing LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org": watch and share the new 4-minute video, part of the Orientation Video Series on YouTube
- Recap: Immunize.org updates three handouts to increase MenACWY 2-dose coverage, measure success, and build a culture of immunization in your office
- “Contact Tracing for Monkeypox virus Clade I Cases Associated with Air Travel—United States, November 2024–January 2025” published in MMWR
- “Coadministered Influenza- and Pertussis-Containing Vaccines in Pregnant Women” published in JAMA Network Open
- “Nurse Scientists as Trusted Voices in Health Communication” published in NEJM
In compliance with the March 16 federal court ruling in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy, CDC restored its official child and adolescent immunization schedule and its official adult immunization schedule to the July 2, 2025, versions. These versions reflect the decisions of the ACIP through its April 2025 meeting, before the replacement of those 17 members with new members in June 2025. The appointments of the new members and their subsequent decisions were stayed by the court. Some CDC web pages are still being updated to reflect the change.
For more information, see the Common Health Coalition’s 2-page summary of the AAP v. Kennedy Ruling and what it means for clinicians and families.
With the July 2025 schedules restored, routine ACIP recommendations are once again in effect for hepatitis A, hepatitis B (including routine birth dose), influenza, meningococcal ACWY, and rotavirus vaccines, as well as routine 2- or 3-dose HPV vaccination (depending on age at initiation). Once again, MMRV is an option on the schedule for children younger than age 4 years when preferred by parents, including VFC-eligible children.
CDC also changed its Vaccines for Children program (VFC) web pages to reflect the return to the 2025 schedule.
Clesrovimab (Enflonsia, Merck) was licensed by FDA for use as an option for RSV prevention in infants during their first RSV season in June 2025, too late to be included on the July 2 version of the 2025 schedule; however, there is no barrier to continuing its use for commercially insured or VFC-eligible infants. CDC’s VFC resolution was updated on April 20, 2026, to include clesrovimab in addition to nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi) for age-eligible infants during their first RSV season.
Readers will note that COVID-19 vaccination remains based on shared clinical decision making (SCDM) for all ages, reflecting the May 2025 HHS Secretarial Directive.
CDC indicated to its partners that it will not issue a formal communication about these changes. Immunize.org encourages clinicians, immunization program partners, and professional societies to share this information broadly and to confirm that vaccination schedules, VFC ordering guidance, patient education materials, and electronic health record prompts reflect the restored July 2, 2025, recommendations.
"Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Nursing Home Residents and Health Care Personnel—United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season" published in MMWR
CDC published Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Nursing Home Residents and Health Care Personnel—United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season on April 23 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Nursing home residents and health care personnel (HCP) are at increased risk for exposure to influenza, and nursing home residents are at increased risk for severe influenza. Routine annual seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for eligible persons, including HCP and persons at increased risk for severe influenza. . . .
During the 2024–25 influenza season, influenza vaccination coverage was 61.3% among nursing home residents and 42.1% among HCP working in nursing homes; coverage among HCP varied by employment type [e.g., employee, independent practitioner, volunteer]. . . .
Implementation of influenza vaccination in conjunction with preventive interventions including influenza testing, antiviral treatment, proven infection prevention and control measures, and antiviral chemoprophylaxis can help protect nursing home residents and HCP from influenza illness and its complications.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Links
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
- Immunize.org: Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll main page
Immunize.org and the Autism Science Foundation updated their Evidence Shows Vaccines Unrelated to Autism resource. References were updated to reflect the latest evidence, which continues to show no relationship between vaccination and autism.
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Improving the Vaccination Experience main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Autism: Resources & Information main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Addressing Vaccine Anxiety main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
Immunize.org reviewed and updated references in MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism: Examine the Evidence! Evidence continues to show no relationship between MMR vaccination and autism.
Related Links
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: MMR Vaccines: Resources & Information main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources: Autism: Resources & Information main page
- Immunize.org: Clinical Resources A–Z main page, where you can filter by topic, vaccine, language, or other criteria
Hepatitis Awareness Month begins May 1; every person from birth through age 59 years should be protected with hepatitis B vaccination
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 marks National Hepatitis Testing Day. By implementing widespread screening and vaccination, most viral hepatitis can be prevented or treated. Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are easily preventable through routine vaccination.
- Hepatitis A vaccination is routinely recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the July 2025 version of CDC’s immunization schedules for all children and for adults with risk factors for exposure to this acute infection.
- Hepatitis B, a cause of both acute and chronic infection, is preventable through routine infant vaccination, beginning within the first 24 hours of life, and catch-up vaccination of everyone through age 59 years. Vaccination, including the birth dose, is routinely recommended by AAP, AAFP, and the July 2025 version of CDC’s immunization schedules.
- Hepatitis C is not vaccine-preventable but is treatable.
Promote Hepatitis Awareness Month and National Hepatitis Testing Day with social media posts. See the Hepatitis Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit for graphics and sample messages to use this May.
Related Links:
- CDC: About Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month and National Hepatitis Testing Day web page
- CDC: Hepatitis Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit main page
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Hepatitis A main page
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Hepatitis B main page
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Hepatitis A main page
- Immunize.org: Ask the Experts: Hepatitis B main page
As of April 23, CDC reported 1,792 confirmed measles cases for 2026, 93% of the confirmed cases are outbreak-associated. So far, 36 states have reported measles cases in 2026, including four new states: Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Notable developments include:
- As of April 21, the Utah outbreak continues to be the fastest-growing ongoing outbreak in the United States with 31 cases reported in the previous 3 weeks. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services reports 607 cases since January 2026.
- The Arizona Department of Health and Human Services confirmed 306 cases in 2026, most linked to the Utah outbreak.
- The Florida Department of Health confirmed 145 cases in 2026 as of April 18.
- As of April 21, South Carolina Department of Health reports no new cases in its large outbreak, totaling 997 outbreak-associated cases. Public health officials state that if no outbreak-associated cases are identified through April 26, the outbreak will be declared over. However, SC officials are responding to a new, unrelated, measles case associated with international travel with over 40 exposed contacts.
The chart below shows the U.S. measles cases by year since 2018, from the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center measles tracker.
At local levels, vaccine coverage rates may vary considerably. Pockets of unvaccinated people can accumulate in states with high vaccination coverage. Below is a map from CDC showing measles cases among U.S. residents as of April 23.
Immunize.org offers measles-related resources for the public on several of our affiliated websites:
- VaccineInformation.org: Measles web page
- LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org: Measles web page
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Measles main page
- AAP: Fact Checked: The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine Is Safe and Effective web page
- CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks main page
- Common Health Coalition: More Illness, Greater Cost: Spotlight Brief; Childhood Immunizations (PDF)
- Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center: U.S. Measles Tracker web page
- PopHIVE (Yale School of Public Health): Infectious Diseases Dashboard: Measles web page
- Health Canada: Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Report
Extended RSV preventive antibody season winds down in jurisdictions that extended their season to April 30; only high-risk infants will need a dose in their second season
Clinicians practicing in jurisdictions that extended this season's administration window for RSV preventive antibody products (nirsevimab [Beyfortus, Sanofi] and clesrovimab [Enflonsia, Merck]) to April 30 are reminded to stop use after April 30 unless directed otherwise by public health officials.
A single dose of Beyfortus or Enflonsia is recommended for most infants during their first RSV season. Infants with specific risk factors for severe RSV disease are the only ones recommended to receive Beyfortus once they enter their second RSV season. With the exception of high-risk infants, infants who received RSV preventive antibody during this unusually late season should not receive a second RSV immunization when the next RSV season resumes in October in most of the contiguous United States
The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) posted a map on April 2 showing current RSV preventive antibody guidance, based on available information. The map includes jurisdictions that recommend administration year-round; these jurisdictions will continue immunization. Visit the color-coded map and supporting documentation for each jurisdiction's status.
- AAP: RSV Immunization Administration Frequently Asked Questions web page
- Immunize.org: Standing Orders for Administering Nirsevimab RSV Preventive Antibody (Beyfortus, by Sanofi) to Infants and High-Risk Young Children (PDF)
- Immunize.org: Standing Orders for Administering Clesrovimab RSV Preventive Antibody (Enflonsia, by Merck) to Infants (PDF)
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) main page
- Association of Immunization Managers: Immunization Program Directory web page
These recent articles convey the potential risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
- STAT: Dropping the Flu Vaccine Requirement Puts U.S. Military Readiness at Risk (4/23/26)
- New York Times: Kennedy Says His Department Advises All Children to Get Measles Vaccine (4/22/2026)
- Washington Post: CDC Won’t Publish Report Showing COVID Shots Cut Likelihood of Hospital Visits (4/22/26)
- New York Times: Measles Took My Daughter. This Is What I Want Everyone to Know (4/21/26)
- CIDRAP: US States Took Divergent Actions in Absence of Federal COVID Vaccine Guidance Last Respiratory Virus Season (4/21/26)
- CIDRAP: Report Notes 3 European Nations Reach 90% HPV Vaccine Uptake in Girls (4/20/26)
This week, Immunize.org introduces its brief orientation tour of LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org, a parent-friendly website that equips both families and healthcare providers to confidently support childhood immunization. Originally developed and launched in 2024 as a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the site was transferred to Immunize.org in early 2025.
Introducing LetsGetRealAboutVaccines.org, describes its parent-friendly resources on childhood vaccines, tools to counter misinformation, shareable materials, and outlines the ARM approach to effective healthcare professional communication strategies.
The 4-minute video is available on our YouTube channel, along with our full Orientation Video Series, a collection of short videos designed to help you learn about Immunize.org resources and how they can support your immunization practice.
The full Orientation Video Series can also be found on Immunize.org's website from the "Clinical Resources" menu by clicking "Webinars & Videos," then Videos, and then Orientation Video Series.
Like, follow, and share Immunize.org’s social media accounts and encourage colleagues and others interested in vaccination to do likewise.
- Facebook at ImmunizeOrg
- Instagram at ImmunizeOrg
- LinkedIn at ImmunizeOrg
- YouTube at ImmunizeOrg
Recap: Immunize.org updates three handouts to increase MenACWY 2-dose coverage, measure success, and build a culture of immunization in your office
Updated handouts include:
- Top 10 Ways to Improve Adolescent Immunization Rates
- Know Your Rates: Measuring Immunization Success in Your Practice
- Developing an Immunization Culture in Your Office
Vaccinate Your Family launched its new bilingual campaign, #ForMyBaby, to support parents, caregivers, and families of babies and very young children with clear, accessible information about immunization. The campaign runs through May 31, highlighting maternal immunization and the important role it plays in helping protect babies from the very beginning.
The campaign features a downloadable toolkit in English and Spanish with social media graphics, predrafted social media posts, and links to resources about vaccine safety.
Please share and use #ForMyBaby when posting on social media.
View the campaign web page.
Browse the Immunize.org shop for office tools, shirts, and accessories to show your support for vaccination
The Immunize.org Shop offers a variety of products for your practice and to show how much you value vaccination. Items include:
- Laminated tables of QR codes linking to VISs for vaccines given to children and adults. An easy, paperless way to comply with the law is for patients to scan a QR code and access the VIS from a smartphone or tablet. These are suitable for desk use as an 8.5" x 11" booklet or wall mounted as an 11" x 17" poster. Spanish translations are available.
- "Save Lives. Immunize." branded T-shirts: Featuring our logo on the front. The back shows our tag line: “Save Lives. Immunize.” The fabric is a super soft, premium tri-blend that doesn’t shrink or wrinkle with washing. Three designs include:
- Vaccination Saves Lives pins make a refined statement in rich blue enamel with gold lettering and edges, measuring 1.65" x 0.75". Designs include traditional double stick-through posts and the new magnetic clasp, which holds the pin firmly in place without piercing clothing.
- Wallet-sized Lifetime Immunization Record Cards: Printed on rip-proof, smudge-proof, waterproof paper designed to last a lifetime. Sold in boxes of 250.
- Immunization Techniques: Best Practices with Infants, Children, and Adults (CD-ROM): From the California Department of Public Health, visual training on the techniques for proper vaccine administration.
Visit Shop Immunize.org to view pricing information and to place an order.
For more information, call 651-647-9009 or email admininfo@immunize.org.
CDC published Contact Tracing for Monkeypox virus Clade I Cases Associated with Air Travel—United States, November 2024–January 2025 on April 23 in MMWR. A portion of the summary appears below.
Aircraft contact investigations of persons traveling with clade II Monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection suggest that clade II MPXV transmission risk during commercial air travel is low; however, data indicate that clade I MPXV might be more transmissible than clade II. . . .
Among 60 aircraft contacts of three persons with laboratory-confirmed clade I MPXV who traveled on five commercial flights and were investigated to assess transmission risk during air travel, no secondary cases were identified. CDC discontinued aircraft contact investigations for all MPXV clades and subclades in 2025. . . .
Similar to clade II, clade I MPXV transmission risk during commercial air travel appears to be low.
Access the MMWR article in HTML or PDF.
Related Links
- CDC: MMWR main page providing access to the MMWR family of publications
- Immunize.org: Vaccines A–Z: Mpox main page
“Coadministered Influenza- and Pertussis-Containing Vaccines in Pregnant Women” published in JAMA Network Open
In its April 17 issue, Jama Open Network published Coadministered Influenza- and Pertussis-Containing Vaccines in Pregnant Women. A portion of the key points section appears below.
This cohort study of 13, 918 singleton pregnancies found concomitant administration of influenza- and pertussis-containing vaccines was not associated with an increased rate of preterm birth, small for gestational age, or low birth weight among pregnant women compared with matched women who received the pertussis vaccine alone.
Meaning These findings provide evidence-based support for clinicians in recommending vaccination concomitantly during pregnancy.
In its April 11 issue, NEJM published Nurse Scientists as Trusted Voices in Health Communication. Portions of the article are reprinted below.
In 2025, the United States reported more than 1700 measles cases across multiple states, the highest annual total since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. . . .
. . . For 23 consecutive years, nurses have ranked as the most trusted professionals in the United States. . . . Of note, trust in nurses varies little according to respondents' political affiliation, even as the public has become increasingly polarized over the credibility of other scientific and medical authorities. . . .
. . . Nurse scientists represent a largely untapped resource in national health communication. Their sustained credibility across political and social divides positions them as effective messengers for audiences that may be skeptical of traditional public health institutions. . . .
. . . Integrating nurse scientists into national health communication strategies is not merely a matter of professional visibility. It is a pragmatic and necessary response to the growing challenge of restoring trust in health information.
On April 20, the European Commission, the WHO Regional Office for Europe, and the UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia released a joint statement celebrating the progress vaccination has made in protecting public health over the past two decades. Vaccination has saved an estimated 154 million lives since 1974.
This statement was issued as the 20th European Immunization Week began. The observance notes each child's right to protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. The agencies called for bold leadership, renewed political commitment, and a continued focus on reaching marginalized communities.
In the WHO European Region, high vaccination coverage kept the region free of endemic polio since 2002, brought it close to measles and rubella elimination, and drove steep declines in rubella, mumps, and diphtheria cases since 2000. Despite this progress, immunization rates are slipping in some countries. In 2024, the region reported a record 298,000 pertussis cases and more than 127,000 measles cases, the highest in 27 years. The agencies commit to continue to work together to overcome barriers and challenges to immunization.
- WHO: Joint Statement by European Commission, UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, and WHO/Europe, Celebrating the Progress Vaccination Has Made in Protecting Public Health for the Past 2 Decades (4/20/26)
- WHO: On the Frontlines of Measles Control (3/30/26)
To learn simple tips and tricks for using our websites efficiently, please register for our next set of Website Office Hours on Wednesday, May 13, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) or Thursday, May 14, at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The same content will be covered in both sessions.
We will open each 30-minute session with a short, live demonstration on navigating our News & Updates website section. You can submit questions when you register or live on Zoom during the session.
Register today for Immunize.org Website Office Hours (content is the same for both):
The archive of previous Website Office Hours content is posted at Immunize.org’s "Webinars & Videos" page.
Mark your calendar for future Immunize.org Website Office Hours.
For more upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events.
About IZ Express
IZ Express is supported in part by Grant No. NH23IP922654 from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Its contents are solely the responsibility of Immunize.org and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.
IZ Express Disclaimer
ISSN 2771-8085
Editorial Information
-
Editor-in-ChiefKelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
-
Managing EditorJohn D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
-
Associate EditorSharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
-
Writer/Publication CoordinatorTaryn Chapman, MS
Courtnay Londo, MA -
Style and Copy EditorMarian Deegan, JD
-
Web Edition ManagersArkady Shakhnovich
Jermaine Royes -
Technical ReviewerKayla Ohlde