August 20, 2026 – Recently, new recommendations to the vaccination schedule were issued by executive order. Changes to the vaccination schedule and vaccination recommendations can be confusing to the sickle cell warrior community. The Medical and Research Advisory Committee (MARAC) of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) strongly encourages all individuals living with SCD or their caregivers to discuss any changes to the current recommended vaccinations with their providers and to keep their immunizations updated.
One of the recommended changes included dividing the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine into its separate components as individual doses. However, the MMR vaccine has been given as a single combined vaccination in the United States since the 1970s and has been proven to be safe and effective.
Individuals with sickle cell disease are at an increased risk of severe infections due to decreased function of the spleen. Functional asplenia, the absence of splenic function without having the spleen removed by surgery, happens in people with sickle cell disease and can make sickle cell warriors much more vulnerable to infection than the general population. Without preventive care, including vaccination and penicillin prophylaxis, many children and adults with sickle cell disease could experience severe infections. Groundbreaking studies in the early 1980s showed that twice daily penicillin can protect infants and preschool children from early deaths from infection in sickle cell disease.
Although sickle cell disease care has improved significantly from the 1990s, individuals with sickle cell disease can still be impacted by infections, therefore vaccination remains important. Studies show that vaccines are powerful shields against serious bacterial and viral infections in sickle cell warriors. Good basic habits like handwashing and good dental care are also necessary. Even more so than the general public, it is important that individuals with sickle cell disease protect themselves from infections not only through the use of penicillin prophylaxis, but also through maintaining vaccinations that prevent infections. MARAC recommends that all individuals with sickle cell disease are vaccinated against pneumococcal and meningococcal infections with both vaccinations. Individuals with sickle cell disease are at particularly high risk of these infections due to splenic function.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has provided guidance on the administration of vaccines for the general public, and the SCDAA endorses these tools in helping communities understand and stay informed about the importance of vaccinations:
- AAP’s newly updated vaccine confidence toolkit
- AAP’s messaging tools (in collaboration with the FrameWorks Institute)
-
AAP’s fact checked series
As we approach the end of summer, the SCDAA wishes all members of the community a safe start to the school year. Please be sure to protect yourself and your loved ones through vaccinations.