Keeping Children with Chronic Conditions Protected through Immunization
Last Updated04/28/2026
Children living with chronic health conditions — such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and lung diseases like asthma — face a higher risk of serious complications from common infections like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease. While these illnesses can be mild for some, they can lead to a hospital stay, long-term health impacts, or even life-threatening outcomes for children with ongoing health conditions. Understanding these risks can help guide timely vaccination to help keep children protected against severe illness.
CVEEP held a discussion exploring the critical role of vaccines in keeping children most at risk healthy. Pediatric health and vaccine experts shared why children with chronic health conditions are at increased risk for severe outcomes, provided an overview of vaccine recommendations for children, and offered best practices for providers, parents, and caregivers to protect these vulnerable populations.
Panelists included:
David Hill, MD, FAAP, Co-Host of “Pediatrics On Call” Podcast and Spokesperson, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Patricia (Patsy) Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, Immediate Past-President, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Moderator:Serese Marotta, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Vaccinate Your Family
Infectious Respiratory Diseases | Vaccines
The Risks are Real: Amesh Adalja, MD, FIDSA
Dr. Amesh Adalja discusses the serious risks of infectious respiratory diseases, and the role that vaccines play in protecting against severe illness.
Don’t Guess the Virus: Why Early Testing and Treatment Matters
Flu, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory illnesses often begin with similar symptoms. Knowing the differences, getting tested, and starting treatment early can help prevent what may seem like a mild illness from becoming more serious.
Last Updated04/08/2026
Don’t Guess the Virus: Why Early Testing and Treatment Matters
Pediatrician Dr. David Hill highlights how vaccines can teach children’s immune systems how to safely fight off infectious diseases before they even encounter them.
Randy Rutta, CEO of the National Health Council, discusses the importance of investing in community health through preventive measures such as vaccination.
Content on this page is being updated to reflect the FDA’s August 27 approval of the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. Please check back soon.
Immunization is the best protection against many infectious respiratory illnesses. Learn more about the timelines for vaccination against infectious respiratory diseases for different groups of individuals.
