The Biden-era recommendation for routine COVID-19 vaccinations in healthy children and pregnant women is now officially over.
On Tuesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines have been removed from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for these two groups. The decision, made without the usual review from the CDC’s independent advisory panel, has drawn both applause and alarm.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that as of today the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule,” Kennedy said in a video posted on X. “We’re now one step closer to realizing President Trump’s promise to make America healthy again.”
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Medical leaders back the move—Others strongly disagree
Standing beside Kennedy during the announcement were FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary and NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. “There’s no evidence healthy kids need it today, and most countries have stopped recommending it,” Makary said. Bhattacharya added, “It’s common sense, and it’s good science.”
But many health experts see it differently. The decision came before the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) had a chance to weigh in. The committee is expected to meet later this month to discuss updated vaccine guidance.
“This takes away choice,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases. “I think it’s going to be confusing not only for parents but also for public health professionals.”
Concerns for pregnant women and infants
Doctors who work closely with pregnant patients expressed concern about the new policy’s impact.
“The science has not changed,” said Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “COVID infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability.”
Vaccination during pregnancy has also been shown to protect newborns, who cannot be vaccinated themselves but are vulnerable to severe illness.
Vaccine access could be limited
Without the CDC recommendation, COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women may no longer be covered by insurance plans, making them harder to obtain. The policy shift follows other recent changes that could limit the approval of future COVID boosters to only those aged 65 or older or people with underlying health conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What changed?
COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women under the CDC’s official immunization schedule.
2. Who announced the decision?
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with FDA and NIH officials.
3. Can kids and pregnant women still get vaccinated?
Yes, but without the recommendation, insurance may not cover it and access could become limited.
4. Was this decision reviewed by independent experts?
No, the CDC’s advisory committee was not involved, though they are expected to meet later this month.
5. Why are doctors concerned?
Medical groups worry the change could reduce vaccination rates and leave vulnerable individuals, like newborns and pregnant women, at greater risk.
6. Is the vaccine still recommended for anyone?
Yes. It remains recommended for adults 65+ and people with health conditions that increase their risk of COVID-19.
7. Has the science changed?
No. Experts say the benefits of vaccination, especially during pregnancy, remain clear.
