Which agency is responsible for developing immunization schedules and recommendations in the U.S.?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency specifically tasked with developing immunization schedules and recommendations in the United States. The CDC conducts extensive research and surveillance on vaccine-preventable diseases and provides guidelines to healthcare providers regarding the appropriate use of vaccines, including when they should be administered and the populations that should receive them. Their recommendations are based on current scientific evidence, expert consensus, and population health considerations, which help ensure public health safety.

While other agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) contribute to the broader landscape of vaccination, they have different roles. WHO focuses on global health initiatives and guidelines, the FDA regulates the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and the NIH conducts medical research. However, when it comes specifically to immunization schedules within the U.S., the CDC is the authoritative body that sets those recommendations.