The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially removed COVID-19 vaccines from its recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the change, marking a significant shift in federal health policy. This decision signals a departure from previous guidance, raising questions about the future of COVID-19 vaccination in the United States.
Previously, the CDC advised that all individuals six months and older, including pregnant women, receive COVID-19 vaccines. The agency cited studies showing that vaccination during pregnancy was safe and could provide antibodies to newborns. Now, that recommendation is gone, leaving many wondering what led to this reversal.
Kennedy stated that the decision was based on “common sense” and “good science.” He criticized the Biden administration for pushing additional COVID-19 vaccines for children despite a lack of clinical data supporting repeated boosters. This move aligns with broader efforts to reassess pandemic-era policies and reduce federal involvement in healthcare decisions.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had been scheduled to vote on updated recommendations in June. However, Kennedy’s announcement bypassed that process, effectively cutting short the agency’s internal review. This abrupt change raises concerns about how vaccine policy decisions are being made and whether political influence is playing a role.
The Food and Drug Administration recently stated that there is insufficient evidence to justify continued COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy individuals under 65. The agency now limits annual boosters to older adults and those with underlying health conditions. This shift suggests that federal health agencies are moving toward a more targeted approach, rather than broad recommendations for the general population.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-covid-vaccines-cdc-children-pregnant-women/