Compiled by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has made a major change to COVID-19 vaccine guidance, removing healthy children and healthy pregnant women from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared the update in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), saying the decision brings the country closer to “President Trump’s promise to make America healthy again.”
“As of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule,” Kennedy said.
Previously, COVID vaccines were recommended for all individuals six months and older. The updated guidance now limits routine recommendations to adults 65 and older, and individuals with high-risk medical conditions, or those who have never received a COVID vaccine.
The change could also impact insurance coverage, as insurers often rely on CDC guidance when determining what vaccinations to cover.
According to NPR, the Trump administration is also pushing for additional testing requirements for any COVID vaccines given to people outside of high-risk groups, a move that could limit the availability of updated boosters in the coming months.
The decision arrives just as the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee prepares to meet to determine which viral strainswill be included in the next round of COVID booster shots. In recent years, COVID infection rates have followed a seasonal pattern, with winter surges similar to the flu.
Critics have expressed concern that the rollback could lead to confusion and lower overall vaccination rates. Supporters argue it reflects evolving data on COVID risks and vaccine necessity for younger and healthier individuals.
For now, public health agencies continue to urge older adults and high-risk individuals to stay up to date on vaccinations to reduce the severity of illness and prevent hospitalizations.