Kansas previously announced alignment with the 2026 immunization schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an independent, physician-led organization representing pediatric experts nationwide. The AAP schedule is grounded in current scientific review, pediatric expertise, and broad medical consensus. A proviso added by the House Appropriations Committee would require KDHE in FY 2027 to follow the CDC childhood immunization schedule instead of maintaining alignment with the 2026 AAP schedule previously adopted by Kansas.

We are interested, and hopeful, in your support and willingness to sign-on. As is always the case on issues like immunizations, we believe there is strength in numbers and in showing a united front against any anti-immunization sentiment. 

If you or your practice would like to sign-on, please contact Karey Padding, KAAP Executive Director at karey.padding@kansasaap.org

Talking Points

FY 2027 Budget Proviso – Childhood Immunization Schedule

Kansas previously announced alignment with the 2026 immunization schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an independent, physician-led organization representing pediatric experts nationwide. The AAP schedule is grounded in current scientific review, pediatric expertise, and broad medical consensus.

A proviso added by the House Appropriations Committee would require KDHE in FY 2027 to follow the CDC childhood immunization schedule instead of maintaining alignment with the 2026 AAP schedule previously adopted by Kansas.

Why This Matters

• Stability and Consistency – Families, clinicians, schools, and employers rely on stable public health guidance.
• Broad Medical Consensus – The AAP schedule is endorsed by 12 national medical organizations representing more than 1 million clinicians.
• Education & Workforce Stability – Healthy children miss fewer school days, reducing workforce disruptions.
• Interstate Alignment – A majority of states are relying on prior recommendations or independent medical association guidance.

Request: We respectfully urge removal of the FY 2027 proviso and continuation of Kansas’ alignment with the AAP’s evidence-based immunization schedule.

Coalition Talking Points

Core Message

Kansas should maintain stable alignment with the evidence-based 2026 AAP immunization schedule previously adopted by the state and remove the FY 2027 proviso.

Public Health Stability

• The AAP schedule is developed by pediatric experts and grounded in scientific review.
• Changing direction creates confusion for families and providers.

Education & Workforce Impact

• Healthy children stay in school.
• Fewer sick days mean fewer parents missing work.
• Stable immunization policy supports economic productivity.

Medical Consensus

• Endorsed by 12 national medical organizations.
• Reflects cross-specialty agreement.

Business Leader Talking Points

Maintaining alignment with the AAP immunization schedule supports economic stability and workforce reliability across Kansas.

Economic Stability

• Fewer outbreaks reduce workplace absenteeism.
• Healthy children reduce parental work disruptions.
• Preventable outbreaks create avoidable public health costs.

Predictability for Employers

• Consistent public health policy allows businesses to plan effectively.
• Reduces operational uncertainty related to school closures or outbreaks.

The twelve medical and health associations endorsing the 2026 schedule includes:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
• American College of Nurse Midwives
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• American Medical Association
• American Pharmacists Association
• Council of Medical Specialty Societies
• Infectious Diseases Society of America
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• National Medical Association
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
• Pediatric Pharmacy Association
• Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.

Letter of Support

Date

Re: Budget Provision Regarding Childhood Immunization Schedule

Dear Representative [Name]:

On behalf of the undersigned health care organizations, schools, businesses, and community partners across Kansas, we respectfully urge removal of the budget provision that would direct KDHE in FY 2027 to follow the CDC childhood immunization schedule instead of maintaining alignment with the 2026 immunization schedule endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and previously adopted by Kansas. Stability and consistency in evidence-based public health guidance are critical for families, schools, health systems, and employers.

Earlier this year, Kansas announced it would follow the AAP’s independently developed 2026 immunization schedule to ensure recommendations for children were grounded in pediatric expertise, current scientific review, and broad medical consensus. Maintaining that alignment provides clarity and predictability for families and clinicians alike.

The AAP immunization schedule is based on rigorous review of safety data, disease trends, and vaccine effectiveness. The 2026 schedule has been endorsed by 12 national medical and health organizations representing more than one million physicians, pharmacists, and pediatric health professionals, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, National Medical Association, Infectious Diseases Society of America, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and other leading medical specialty organizations. This breadth of endorsement reflects strong cross-disciplinary agreement within the medical community.

AAP continues to recommend routine immunization against RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, pneumococcal disease, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and HPV. These recommendations are carefully structured to protect children at the ages they are most vulnerable.

• When children are protected from vaccine-preventable illnesses:
• They miss fewer days of school.
• Schools and childcare centers face fewer outbreaks and disruptions.
• Parents are less likely to miss work to care for sick children.
• Employers experience fewer productivity interruptions.
• Health systems avoid preventable strain and cost.

Recent outbreaks of measles and pertussis in multiple states demonstrate how quickly highly contagious diseases can resurface when immunization coverage declines. Even small gaps in protection can lead to costly public health responses and avoidable disruption.

As of January 2026, a majority of states have indicated they will rely on prior recommendations, state guidance, or independent medical association guidance such as that of the AAP for at least some childhood vaccines. Kansas benefits from clear, stable, and evidence-based health policy that protects children while minimizing disruption to families, schools, and businesses.

We respectfully urge continued alignment with the AAP’s evidence-based immunization schedule and removal of the FY 2027 proviso.

Kansas children deserve timely protection.

Kansas families deserve stability.

Kansas communities deserve confidence in science-based policy.

Sincerely,

Dena K. Hubbard, MD, FAAP

Public Policy Committee

Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics