County Public Health Officials Urge Childhood and Adolescent Vaccine Schedule

January 20, 2026

San Diego County public health officials are promoting childhood and adolescent vaccination schedules that follow recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, despite recent changes made by the CDC to its own vaccine guidelines. The County's immunization protocol, which aligns with California state health authorities and the West Coast Health Alliance, covers protection against numerous diseases including hepatitis, measles, polio, and COVID-19. County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan emphasized that vaccines remain the most effective method for protecting children and communities from preventable illnesses, noting their decades-long safety record.

Who is affected

Children and adolescents in San Diego County
Parents and caregivers of children requiring vaccinations
Uninsured families seeking vaccination services
The broader San Diego County community (through herd immunity protection)
Healthcare providers and pediatricians administering vaccines

What action is being taken

County public health officials are encouraging childhood and adolescent vaccinations
The County is maintaining a vaccine schedule that aligns with the California Department of Public Health and West Coast Health Alliance
County public health clinics are providing vaccines to uninsured individuals

Why it matters

Childhood and adolescent vaccines have protected millions of people from serious illness and death for decades. Maintaining regular vaccination schedules protects not only individual children but also their peers and the entire community from preventable diseases. This is particularly significant given that the County is maintaining its vaccination recommendations despite recent CDC schedule modifications, demonstrating commitment to established public health protocols backed by decades of safety and effectiveness research.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint