CDC Ends Routine Covid Vaccine Recommendation for Healthy Kids and Pregnant Women

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right Leaning

Why: The policy shift aligns with conservative-led skepticism about broad Covid vaccine use, and messaging is led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic now in a key federal role.

CDC Shifts Vaccine Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer recommend Covid-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women. The announcement was made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.

The move marks a significant departure from previous public health policy. Until now, the CDC had recommended Covid shots for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Announcement Led by Vaccine Skeptic

Kennedy, a long-time critic of vaccines, said the change is part of the administration’s broader health vision. He claimed it is in line with the president’s goal to "Make America Healthy Again." The CDC did not issue a separate detailed statement following the announcement.

Kennedy specified that healthy pregnant women would no longer be advised to receive the vaccine, though pregnancy itself is a known risk factor for severe Covid complications.

FDA Backing Policy With Restriction Plans

The change follows a similar position from FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. Last week, Makary stated that future Covid vaccine use would be limited to:

• Older adults

• People with underlying medical conditions

• Children with specific health risks

  
  

New vaccine doses for healthy individuals will now be subject to placebo-controlled clinical trials before receiving approval.

Questions Raised Over Science and Access

Many public health experts voiced concern over the policy direction. Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC, said the guidance appears to bypass established scientific advisory processes.

Pediatrician Dr. Paul Offit raised questions about the implications for children still presenting with COVID-related symptoms like bronchiolitis. He asked whether these cases are now considered not worth preventing.

Covid Still a Risk for Vulnerable Groups

Despite current low case numbers, Covid-19 continues to circulate in the U.S. Vulnerable populations — including older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women — remain at risk.

Past data showed an increase in maternal complications and deaths during Covid waves. A Brown University study noted maternal mortality spikes during the pandemic.

Vaccine Availability in Question for Fall 2025

There is uncertainty over whether Covid boosters will be available this fall. While the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee met to discuss strain selection, the new requirement for placebo trials could delay approval.

If the FDA classifies updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as new products, fall distribution is unlikely, even for high-risk groups.

Financial and Insurance Impact

The CDC’s recommendations typically guide insurance coverage. If vaccines are no longer recommended for children or pregnant women:

• Insurance companies may stop covering them

• The Vaccines for Children Program might not provide free shots

• Uninsured or underinsured families may lose access

  
  

Vaccine manufacturers are charging up to $150 per dose. Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA-compliant insurance plans currently cover the cost, but future coverage could be affected by CDC guidance.

Novavax and FDA’s New Approval Approach

Earlier this month, the FDA approved Novavax's Covid shot, but restricted its use to:

• Adults 65 and older

• Teens and adults with health risks

  
  

This approval came after delays in review under Kennedy’s leadership, highlighting a stricter approach to authorization.

New Variants Under Watch

The latest variant, LP.8.1 — a strain of Omicron — made up 70% of U.S. cases as of May 10, according to the CDC. Another strain, NB.1.8.1, is also being monitored by the World Health Organization.

While no major summer surge has been confirmed yet, public health officials are watching closely.