From measles outbreaks and a COVID resurgence to new recommendations and new studies proposed under the Trump administration, vaccines are in the news. Search trends show that vaccines are of interest to all Americans, particularly one of the most engaged audiences: parents.

To help journalists report on the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with clarity, context and accuracy, the National Press Foundation will hold an online briefing Dec. 11, 1-2 p.m. ET. This webinar, Making Sense of the Childhood Vaccine Schedule, will feature experts in medicine and science, as well as a veteran health journalist, to help improve coverage.

Despite its proven, decades-long record of safely preventing severe illness, death and disability in children, recent policy developments and ongoing public debate have led to growing confusion about how the childhood vaccine schedule works and why it matters. Based on the newly announced focus areas of working groups of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC, we anticipate growing focus on these topics as we head into 2026 and beyond.

NPF’s panel of experts will address key questions and misconceptions about childhood vaccines, including how the schedule is developed, the timing of vaccines, the role of combination vaccines and the role and safety of vaccine ingredients, like aluminum. Experts will also answer questions from webinar attendees during the Q&A.

Speakers will be added below as they are confirmed.

This webinar is sponsored by Vaccinate Your Family, a nonprofit that for more than 30 years has championed vaccine access, education and advocacy. NPF is solely responsible for its content.