The Importance of Routine Childhood Vaccines: What Families Need to Know

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about childhood vaccines. In January 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that some routine vaccines should be given based on shared decision-making between families and their healthcare providers. This does not mean that vaccines are less important or no longer recommended. It simply highlights the power of open conversations between you and your child’s provider.

Our Vaccine Recommendations Remain the Same

At Allegro Pediatrics, our commitment to your child’s health hasn’t changed. Each year, our Medical Issues Committee carefully reviews our recommended vaccine schedule using evidence-based guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and the Western States Health Alliance. These organizations are aligned in their conclusion: routine childhood vaccines are one of the best ways to keep kids healthy. There is no new scientific evidence that warrants a change to the current vaccine schedule. Our clinics will continue to ensure that all recommended childhood vaccines are available to our patients.

What This Means for Families

• All routine childhood vaccines are still offered at Allegro Pediatrics and covered by insurance in Washington State.
• School and childcare immunization requirements in Washington state have not changed.
• Vaccine decisions have always been a team effort. We believe in talking with you, answering questions, and making choices together that are right for your family.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines are a safe and proven way to protect your child from serious diseases. Vaccines have prevented millions of illnesses and saved countless lives. Getting vaccinated isn’t just about your child. It helps keep our whole community safe, especially babies, children with health problems, and others who can’t get certain vaccines.

It is far safer to prevent disease through vaccination than to treat illness after it occurs, especially when infections can cause serious and lasting long-term effects.

Understanding the U.S. Approach

You might hear that other countries do things differently. Many countries have universal healthcare and longer paid parental leave. This supports the ability for babies to stay home longer and experience less risk of illness in the early stages of life. These differences mean their infection risks may not be the same as in the United States. Here, routine vaccines are a key tool to keep children healthy and protected when they are the most vulnerable.

Our Promise to You

We know that making decisions about your child’s health can feel overwhelming. Our team at Allegro Pediatrics is here to listen, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way. We will always advocate for vaccines as a cornerstone of children’s health because we care deeply about your family and our community.

If you have questions or want to talk more, please schedule a visit with your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP). We’re here for you!

For more information, visit our Childhood Immunizations page.