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General Immunization Guidance

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) is committed to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have clear, trusted guidance on immunizations to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Four boxes and syringes of different immunizations, including RSV, COVID-19, pneumonia, and flu

PA DOH recommends that Pennsylvanians follow the most recent immunization recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). PA DOH endorses these evidence-based immunization schedules and recommendations and encourages all Pennsylvanians to follow the guidance of these trusted medical organizations. By staying up to date with recommended immunizations, individuals can protect themselves, their families, and their communities from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.

The AAP, ACOG, and AAFP recommendations outline routine immunizations for all children, pregnant women, and adults. Children should receive all standard childhood immunizations on the recommended schedule from infancy through adolescence, ensuring protection against infectious diseases like hepatitis, measles, polio, and whooping cough, among others. Pregnant women are advised to receive indicated immunizations during each pregnancy — including influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough), COVID-19, and RSV — to safeguard both mother and baby. Adults should stay current with all recommended vaccines, such as annual flu shots, updated COVID-19 vaccines, and age-appropriate immunizations (e.g., shingles and pneumonia vaccines for older adults). Vaccines are available across the lifespan and are safe and effective.

How Pennsylvanians can use this guidance

Review the age-appropriate schedule:

  • Pregnancy (COVID-19, Flu, RSV): ACOG’s Updated Maternal Immunization Guidance (August 22, 2025), which recommends:
    • COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of pregnancy;
    • Inactivated/recombinant flu vaccine during any trimester; and
    • Maternal RSV vaccine between 32–36 6/7 weeks of gestation, with coadministration permitted
    • Ask your health care provider about the best time to get your vaccines and any personal health factors you should keep in mind.

How health care professionals can use this guidance

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

AAP’s Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule provides the most up-to-date recommendations for children and adolescents.

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

AAFP’s Adult Immunization Schedule includes vaccines by age, condition, and special populations.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

ACOG’s Updated Maternal Immunization Guidance (August 22, 2025) covers COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines during pregnancy.