Dhaka, Aug. 19 -- For the first time in three decades, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued vaccine recommendations that significantly diverge from U.S. government guidance - this time on COVID-19 shots for children.

The AAP on Tuesday said it is strongly recommending vaccinations for children ages 6 months to 2 years, and advising shots for older children if parents want them vaccinated. By contrast, guidance issued under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does not recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children of any age, though it allows shots in consultation with physicians.

"It is going to be somewhat confusing," acknowledged Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious disease committee. "But our ...