Merck Reaffirms Commitment to Immunization Safety
Rahway, N.J., Jan. 8, 2026 — Merck today reaffirmed its dedication to the safety and well-being of children as discussions continue around the U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule. The company emphasized that protecting the health of every child is a shared responsibility among health care providers, parents, and public health authorities.
In its formal statement, Merck underscored that vaccines play a critical role in preventing serious disease and safeguarding long-term health outcomes for children and teens. The company stressed that safety remains the primary concern in all aspects of vaccine development, testing, labeling, and post-market monitoring.
Key Elements of the Merck Statement
The company highlighted several core commitments aimed at supporting families and health care professionals as part of the broader immunization schedule:
- Patient Safety First: Merck reaffirmed its rigorous safety standards across all vaccine development and manufacturing processes, with ongoing surveillance to detect and address any potential concerns promptly.
- Transparent Communication: The statement calls for clear, evidence-based information for clinicians and parents to help them make informed decisions aligned with the best available science.
- Collaborative Approach: Merck emphasized collaboration with clinicians, public health authorities, and patient communities to support confidence in vaccination programs.
- Ongoing Monitoring: The company noted its commitment to post-licensure safety monitoring and timely reporting of any adverse events, in line with regulatory requirements and scientific best practices.
Why This Matters for Families
The immunization schedule for children and adolescents is designed to provide protection during critical developmental periods. Merck’s statement reiterates that timely vaccination can prevent a range of serious illnesses and protect vulnerable populations through herd immunity efforts. By reinforcing safety and open dialogue, the company aims to reduce uncertainty and help families navigate vaccination decisions with confidence.
Health care providers remain a primary source of guidance for parents and guardians. Merck’s position supports clinicians by offering robust safety data, reliable resources, and a shared commitment to the best interests of pediatric patients.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As public health recommendations evolve, Merck indicated it will continue to communicate updates that affect vaccine safety profiles, dosing guidelines, and scheduling considerations. The company encouraged ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the immunization schedule remains protective without creating unnecessary barriers to access.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with their child’s physician. For those seeking additional information, Merck highlighted resources from credible health authorities and its own science-based materials that explain how vaccines work, their safety monitoring processes, and the importance of completing recommended immunizations on schedule.
About Merck
Merck is a global health care leader focused on improving health outcomes through science, innovation, and responsible communication. The company remains dedicated to safety, transparency, and collaboration with health care providers and communities to advance public health goals.
