CDC's Role in Vaccination
How the CDC shapes vaccine recommendations and public health policy.
Many people confuse the FDA (which approves vaccines) with the CDC (which
recommends how vaccines should be used). The CDC does not approve vaccines
— instead, it develops recommendations for who should receive vaccines,
when, and under what circumstances.
FDA vs. CDC: Distinct Roles
FDA
Evaluates safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality. Grants licenses
for vaccines to be marketed in the US.
CDC
Determines how approved vaccines should be used. Develops immunization
schedules and recommendations.
What CDC Does
-
ACIP support: Provides staff and resources for Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices
-
Immunization schedules: Develops child, adolescent, and
adult schedules
-
Recommendations: Determines which groups should receive
which vaccines
-
Vaccine information statements: Creates required
patient information
-
Surveillance: Monitors vaccine safety through VAERS and
VSD
-
Coverage tracking: Measures vaccination rates
nationally
-
Education: Provides information for healthcare
providers and the public
The Immunization Schedule
The CDC maintains the official US immunization schedules:
- Child schedule: Birth through 6 years
- Adolescent schedule: 7-18 years
- Adult schedule: 19 years and older
- Catch-up schedule: For those who fall behind
National Immunization Program
The CDC's National Immunization Program:
-
Provides vaccines for children through Vaccines for Children (VFC)
program
- Supports state and local immunization programs
- Maintains the Vaccine Information Clearinghouse
- Coordinates with WHO on global immunization efforts
Sources & Citations