TCWH Affirms NYS' Adherence to AAP's Childhood Vaccination Schedule
Published on January 09, 2026
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) affirms New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) commitment to maintaining prior childhood vaccination policies as a best practice for providing consistent, complete protection against life-threatening disease.
In a press release on January 6, 2026, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “Despite changes announced at the federal level, New York State's long-standing, childhood vaccine requirements remain the same. There was no new science, safety data or discovery presented by the federal government. New Yorkers can continue to be confident that vaccines offer the best protection from preventable childhood diseases.” This announcement followed changes to the recommended childhood immunization schedule that were approved by the Centers for Disease Control on January 5th.
TCWH Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe stated, “TCWH is proud to stand with NYS DOH in the promotion of childhood vaccinations that follow an evidence-based schedule, proven to be effective at reducing disease. The changes presented at the federal level will put infants and children (and the adults around them) at risk of severe illness from preventable diseases. NYS has taken a bold stance in maintaining current policies, and at the local level, we will follow the state’s lead in continuing to do the work of public health to protect our community.”
TCWH Medical Director, Dr. William Klepack, stated, “Vaccinations have prevented the spread of serious disease over the course of history. For example, since the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine in the 1980s, we’ve seen a significant drop in serious illness, hospitalization and death for infants and adults. Hepatitis B has no cure but is preventable with vaccination.”
Dr. Klepack continued, “Vaccines save lives. NYSDOH’s commitment to maintaining proven vaccination standards follows rigorous scientific research and a proven track record for success in preventing disease. TCWH will continue to support local healthcare practitioners in navigating this, and for our residents we will strive to reduce confusion and continue to provide access to vaccination and information.”
In New York State, healthcare providers have been instructed to continue their existing, evidence-based immunization practices, following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommended immunization schedule for children birth to age 6 and children 7 to age 18. There will be no change to vaccine access, insurance coverage, liability protections or to the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which continues to provide vaccines at no cost to eligible children.
NYS’ school immunization requirements will also remain in effect as previously designed. Children attending any public, private, or religious day care or pre-K through 12th grade school in New York State (NYS) are required to be immunized with a complete series of all required vaccines, unless they are medically exempt. A medical exemption is allowed when a child has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine. There are no non-medical exemptions to school vaccine requirements in NYS.
TST BOCES’ Medical Director of School Health Systems, Dr. Melissa Dhundale stated, “It is essential that children remain up to date on their vaccinations in order to attend school without delay. Maintaining the AAP’s recommended immunization schedule, starting at infancy, keeps your child protected from serious illness and ensures that they are on track for school admission. If you have any questions about vaccinations that are required by the school system, please speak with your child’s pediatrician.”
Tompkins County Whole Health offers low or no-cost immunization clinics, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines, every Friday through the New York State funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adult (VFA) programs. Clinics are open from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm by appointment only.
Children may be eligible for participation in our Friday clinics if they:
- Do not have insurance, or
- Are currently enrolled in Medicaid, or
- Have Child Health Plus, or
- Are underinsured: their insurance does not cover the vaccine, or
- Are Native American or Alaska Native
Adults ages 19 and older who are under-insured (insurance does not cover the vaccine) or do not have insurance may be eligible to participate in our clinics as well. Call our office at 607-274-6604 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
If you need assistance setting up health insurance or finding a primary healthcare provider, dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) to be connected with the Health Insurance Navigators and Community Health Advocates at the Tompkins County Human Services Coalition.
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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