CDC releases new children's immunization schedules with COVID shots for 6-month-olds

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week officially released its updated routine immunization schedule that includes COVID-19 vaccine shots for children as young as six months of age. 

The new guidelines state that children can start receiving the vaccine in a two-or-three-dose series at half a year of age, along with other shots such as influenza vaccines and polio immunizations.

The official release of the new schedule "helps ‘normalize’ this vaccine and sends a powerful message to both healthcare providers and the general public that everyone ages 6 months and older should stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines," infectious disease Drs. Neil Murthy and Patricia Wodi told CNN in a statement.

Specific vaccine requirements for U.S. students will still be set at state and local levels, meaning that all schools throughout the country may not necessarily require the COVID vaccine for entry.

The CDC says boosters are also recommended in addition to the primary vaccine series.