The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women, stating that these groups “may” receive the shots rather than recommending them outright. This change came shortly after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cessation of strong recommendations for these vaccines in these populations. Jason Schwartz, a health policy researcher at Yale University, noted that while the initial announcement suggested the CDC was retracting any recommendation, this update was less severe than it could have been.
In the revised guidance, the CDC stated that children aged 6 months to 17 years without moderate or severe immune issues could receive vaccines, with the decision left to parents in consultation with healthcare providers. A subtle update for pregnant women indicated they are no longer included in the routine vaccination recommendations for adults.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that previous recommendations for these groups had been removed and emphasized shared decision-making with healthcare providers. However, experts expressed concern that such nuanced language might lower vaccination uptake, particularly since only 13% of children and 23% of adults have received the 2024-25 COVID vaccine.
Discussions around changing vaccination recommendations had gained traction as the pandemic’s urgency lessened, with expert panels focusing on high-risk groups. However, Kennedy’s decision to introduce changes without waiting for scientific input has drawn criticism, potentially causing confusion regarding public health messaging. Schwartz highlighted the risk of public bewilderment regarding the federal government’s stance on vaccine safety and efficacy.
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