NEW YORK—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new set of guidelines that offers a revised stance on COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women. These guidelines now suggest that these groups can receive the vaccine rather than strong recommendations previously made.
This update follows an announcement by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., where he indicated that recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations would no longer apply to healthy children and pregnant women. However, the changes posted on the CDC website deliver a more considered message, where vaccinations “may” be administered to these individuals.
Jason Schwartz, a health policy researcher at Yale University, commented on these developments, noting that the initial anticipation was of a complete withdrawal of vaccine endorsements for these groups. “It’s not as bad as it could have been,” he remarked, suggesting relief over the current stance.
The decision to modify the guidelines was relayed via a brief video by Kennedy on the social media platform X. CDC officials have redirected inquiries regarding this announcement to Kennedy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
On the CDC’s platform, updated guidance now mentions that children aged between 6 months and 17 years may be vaccinated provided they don’t face significant immune challenges. Instead of a blanket recommendation, parents are now advised to consult healthcare professionals before opting for vaccination.
In addition, changes were reflected on the CDC’s adult immunization schedule, indicating a shift in how pregnant women’s vaccination advice is presented. They are no longer grouped within the standard recommendations made for other adults.
The HHS noted that former vaccine advisories for healthy children under 18 and pregnant women have been withdrawn from the CDC’s vaccination schedule. “The CDC and HHS encourage individuals to talk with their healthcare provider about any personal medical decision,” a spokesperson stated.
While such recommendations are based on shared decision-making, it still mandates health insurers to cover vaccination costs. Nonetheless, the approach might lead to reduced vaccination rates as it decreases the urgency health professionals may place on the vaccinations.
Current statistics demonstrate a relatively low uptake with merely 13% of children and 23% of adults having received the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine cycle.
Discussions regarding the revision of vaccination recommendations have been ongoing. As COVID-19’s impact wanes, deliberations have centered on prioritizing those 65 and older for vaccinations, as they remain at elevated risk for severe outcomes.
In an upcoming June meeting, a CDC advisory panel will deliberate on future recommendations for fall vaccinations. Options could involve maintaining direct recommendations for high-risk groups while allowing others the autonomy to decide on vaccinations themselves. A work group from the committee has endorsed this approach.
However, Kennedy, previously prominent for his anti-vaccine stances prior to his tenure as health secretary, chose not to await the panel’s formal review.
The manner and timing of changes to the vaccine recommendations have sparked confusion, potentially hindering vaccination efforts, details Schwartz. The uncertainty regarding official recommendations and scientific backing might perplex the public about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, he added.
Dr. Susan Kressly, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed satisfaction that parents who wish to vaccinate their children will continue to have the opportunity. However, she voiced concerns over the “deeply flawed process” used to arrive at these recommendations, emphasizing potential risks to the country’s immunization framework’s stability.