U.S. ends COVID-19 vaccine guidance for healthy kids, pregnant women

USA – U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has declared that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women.

The announcement was made via a 58-second video posted on the social media platform X, with no CDC officials present and no further details provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The move, which removes COVID-19 shots from the CDC’s recommended schedule for these groups, has sparked confusion and concern among public health experts. Critics argue that the decision bypassed established scientific review processes.

“There’s no new data — they’re just making it up as they go,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

Health officials have previously promoted annual COVID-19 booster shots for everyone aged six months and older, citing protection against severe illness and death.

While some experts had already begun discussing the idea of focusing vaccines on older or high-risk individuals, most did not expect a sudden change, especially without a formal review.

The CDC’s advisory panel is expected to meet in June to discuss fall vaccination plans, with one option being to recommend the vaccine for high-risk groups while still allowing lower-risk individuals to opt in.

But Kennedy, known for his long-standing opposition to certain vaccines, preempted the process. He claimed the boosters were recommended for children “without any clinical data” to support the move.

This announcement has raised concerns about setting a dangerous precedent — one in which political appointees override the scientific process.

“If they can do this with the COVID vaccine, they can do it with any vaccine,” Osterholm warned, referencing other childhood immunizations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) that Kennedy has criticized in the past.

Public health leaders also questioned whether insurance providers would continue covering the vaccine for those who still want it, and how easy access will be going forward.

“The reason we vaccinate healthy people is to protect them before they get sick,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, head of the American Public Health Association.

While COVID-19 has mostly affected older adults, children have not been immune. Over 1,300 child deaths have been directly linked to COVID-19 in the U.S., according to CDC data.

Pregnancy was once a high-priority category for vaccination due to the risks the virus posed to both mothers and newborns.

During the height of the pandemic, maternal deaths spiked to levels not seen in 50 years. COVID vaccination was one of the recommended protections, as it could pass immunity to newborns.

“To suggest pregnant women are not at risk is flat-out wrong,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, echoed that concern: “The science hasn’t changed. COVID during pregnancy can lead to major disability or death. This decision could put many families at risk.”

The announcement comes as Kennedy and other Trump-era health leaders reshape the federal vaccine approval system.

Just last week, the FDA narrowed its vaccine approval scope, restricting routine COVID-19 vaccines to seniors and at-risk youth pending further research.