FDA Limits COVID Vaccine Eligibility Across Multiple States

Recent changes in U.S. COVID-19 vaccine policy have sparked significant debate and operational challenges. The FDA has restricted eligibility for updated COVID-19 vaccines to seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions, moving away from the previous broad recommendation for everyone over six months old. This shift has led to confusion and concerns about vaccine accessibility, especially as major pharmacies like CVS require physician prescriptions in several states, complicating vaccine procurement for many. Public health experts and former CDC officials criticize these new guidelines for lacking scientific basis and potentially increasing vaccine hesitancy amid rising COVID-19 cases in numerous states. The policy changes coincide with high-level CDC resignations related to disagreements over vaccine recommendations and controversies involving advisory committee decisions. Meanwhile, debates continue over pediatric vaccine schedules, including COVID-19 vaccinations for infants and the hepatitis B shot at birth, highlighting ongoing tensions between federal health authorities and certain political figures.