On May 8, the CDC released an MMWR report entitled Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration – United States, 2020.

Data from two CDC systems – the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provider ordering data and the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) vaccine administration data – show decreases in ordering and administering of childhood vaccines during the first four months of 2020. These findings highlight that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is critical to communicate with parents and community healthcare providers about the ongoing importance of timely vaccination for children.

Local health departments are encouraged to use and share CDC’s parent-friendly immunization schedules for children 0-6 years old available in English and Spanish, as well as information about CDC’s catch-up immunization schedule. To further share timely messaging about the importance of immunizations, access the below sample social media resources:

• Missed your child’s well visit recently? Call your child’s doctor to help your child stay on track with their vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child-easyread.html
• It’s important to stay on track with your child’s vaccines during this time. Call your child’s doctor today. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child-easyread.html
• Doctors have protocols in place for safe well-child visits. Call your child’s doctor today to stay on track with vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child-easyread.html