Updates to CDC Immunization Schedule


October 10, 2025

Vaccines are essential to the health of communities in Virginia. On October 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made minor updates to its immunization schedules, including changes to recommendations for the MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Varicella) and COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines have been through rigorous testing and continuous evaluations and have been demonstrated as safe and effective. These vaccines also protect those
who are unable to be vaccinated.


COVID-19

  • People aged 6 months and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on individual- based decision-making with a healthcare provider, such as physicians, nurses and pharmacists.
  • Individual-based decision-making allows for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms, including entitlement programs; however, insurance coverage should be verified before vaccination. This includes programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, and insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act.
  • Pharmacists can now administer COVID-19 vaccination without a prescription to persons aged 3 years and older, now that the CDC immunization schedule includes the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine. This is pursuant to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID–19, 12th amendment.
  • Pharmacies may have different policies about the ages of patients they will vaccinate. Encourage parents to verify the acceptable age of their local pharmacy before making appointments or visiting a pharmacy for vaccination.
  • The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has updated its statewide protocol for adults effective October 1, 2025.
  • With the CDC recommendations in place, the Virginia Commissioner’s Standing Order is no longer needed and has been revoked effective October 10, 2025.


MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Varicella)

  • MMRV vaccine remains FDA approved for children 12 months – 12 years.
  • Children under the age of 4 years should receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and the varicella vaccine separately (MMR+V). The combined MMRV vaccine is no longer recommended for children under the age of 4 years.
  • Children aged 4 years and older can still receive the combined MMRV vaccine. The recommendation for this age group has not changed.
  • Per the VFC Provider Agreement, providers participating in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program are required to comply with vaccine schedules, dosages, and contraindications established by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As such, VFC providers can no longer give MMRV to children under the age of four years. Please see the VFC Provider Agreement for exceptions to this policy.
  • If providing MMRV to a child younger than 4 years of age, insurance coverage should be verified before vaccination, as it may no longer be covered.


Additional Information

  • It is strongly recommended that all Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers carry a minimal stock of COVID-19 vaccine to ensure access for this population, who may not have options to seek it elsewhere. If you have questions about the VFC program, please contact [email protected].
  • Existing Vaccine Information Statements should be used until new ones are published by the CDC.
  • All administered vaccines in Virginia must be reported to the VIIS within 7 days of administration.
  • CDC’s updated recommendations differ from recommendations from professional medical organizations. This includes:
    o American Academy of Family Physicians
    o American Academy of Pediatrics
    o American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Thank you for your partnership in keeping Virginians safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Karen Shelton, MD

State Health Commissioner