Once a new vaccine is developed and is proven to be effective and safe, it may be added to to the schedule of recommended vaccines, like the flu vaccine and other vaccines that are recommended for kids and adults. Overseeing this process is the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of health experts who review clinical trials to develop a vaccine’s recommended use. The ACIP considers several factors before recommending a vaccine be added to the immunization schedule. These considerations include: How many people would get the disease without the vaccine
How well the vaccine works at different ages
The safety of the vaccine in different age groups
The severity of the disease the vaccine prevents
Once the ACIP recommends a vaccine be added to the schedule, the director of the CDC must review and approve the recommendation before it can be listed on the U.S. childhood immunization schedule.