CDC Ends COVID Vaccine Advice for Healthy Kids, Pregnant Women/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The CDC has ceased recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women, as announced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This policy shift aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reduce federal healthcare interventions. The FDA now requires new clinical trials for COVID-19 boosters targeting healthy individuals under 65.
CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Update: Quick Looks
- Policy Change: CDC stops recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women
- Announcement: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the declaration via social media
- FDA’s New Requirement: New clinical trials mandated for boosters for healthy individuals under 65
- Administration’s Goal: Aligns with Trump’s agenda to downsize federal healthcare roles
- Expert Concerns: Unilateral decision bypassed CDC’s advisory committee process
- Insurance Implications: Potential changes in vaccine coverage and liability protections
- Public Health Impact: Raises questions about future vaccine accessibility and public trust
- Global Context: Some countries have similarly adjusted pediatric COVID-19 vaccine recommendations
CDC Ends COVID Vaccine Advice for Healthy Kids, Pregnant Women
Deep Look
CDC Withdraws COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Healthy Children and Pregnant Women
Washington, D.C. — In a significant policy shift, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed its recommendation for COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women. This change was announced on May 27, 2025, by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, via a video posted on social media platform X .
Kennedy stated, “As of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule.” This decision reflects the Trump administration’s broader initiative to reduce federal involvement in healthcare and promote what it terms “common sense” and “good science” .
FDA’s New Stance on COVID-19 Boosters
In tandem with the CDC’s updated guidance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to require new clinical trials for the approval of annual COVID-19 booster shots for healthy individuals under the age of 65. This move effectively limits booster recommendations to older adults and those at higher risk of severe illness .
Expert Reactions and Concerns
The unilateral nature of Kennedy’s announcement has raised concerns among public health experts. Traditionally, changes to the CDC’s immunization schedule undergo a review process by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dorit Reiss, a law professor specializing in vaccination policy, remarked, “There is a process, and it hasn’t been followed,” suggesting the decision could face legal challenges .
Kathryn Edwards, a vaccines expert and former ACIP member, echoed these sentiments, stating that Kennedy “overstepped his bounds” by bypassing established protocols. The absence of CDC officials in the announcement further underscores the departure from standard procedures.
Implications for Insurance and Public Health
The removal of COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC’s recommended schedule could have broader implications. Insurance companies often use the CDC’s schedule to determine coverage, and this change may lead to reduced access to vaccines for those who still wish to receive them. Additionally, the decision may sow confusion among healthcare providers and the public regarding vaccine availability and recommendations.
Global Context and Comparisons
The U.S. policy shift aligns with actions taken by some other countries that have adjusted their COVID-19 vaccination strategies for children and pregnant women. However, the global medical community continues to emphasize the importance of vaccinations in preventing severe illness and controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Conclusion
The CDC’s decision to cease recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women marks a notable change in the U.S. public health approach. While the administration cites a commitment to “common sense” and “good science,” the deviation from established processes and potential impacts on public health infrastructure warrant close scrutiny and ongoing discussion.
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