The Gist Healthcare Podcast Friday, August 22, 2025
Aug 22, 2025
New vaccinations for children take center stage as the American Academy of Pediatrics diverges from federal guidelines, covering a wide range of diseases. Meanwhile, employers brace for significant healthcare cost increases in 2026, driven largely by rising pharmacy spending and new medications like GLP-1s. Lastly, Elevance Health faces a legal blow in its fight over Medicare Advantage ratings, revealing tensions in health policy and corporate strategy. Tune in for insights on these pressing healthcare issues.
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AAP Breaks With Federal Vaccine Guidance
- The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its own childhood vaccination schedule that diverges from federal guidance and updates recommendations for 18 diseases.
- This is the first major break with federal recommendations in about 30 years and prioritizes COVID vaccination for children under two.
AAP Emphasizes COVID Shots For Youngest Kids
- The AAP specifically recommends COVID vaccination for all children under two and a single age-appropriate dose for those over two.
- The group urged insurers to cover vaccines on its schedule after federal agencies scaled back COVID recommendations.
Federal Vaccine Policy Undergoes Major Change
- Federal vaccine policymaking has shifted after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed CDC recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women.
- The CDC changed its schedule to a preference-based approach and HHS fired ACIP members and removed organizational liaisons including the AAP.