CDC Ends Covid Vaccine Guidance for Children, Pregnant

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the CDC will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, representing a major change in federal policy. The FDA will now primarily approve new COVID-19 vaccines for adults aged 65 and older or those with underlying health conditions, and will require new clinical trials to justify use in low-risk groups. The decision is justified by officials as reflecting current public health data and insufficient evidence for vaccinating healthy children. Many healthcare professionals and organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Canadian health authorities, continue to recommend vaccination for pregnant women, citing high risks during pregnancy and infancy. Critics argue the policy is not supported by scientific consensus and may reduce insurance coverage and vaccine access, especially for vulnerable groups. The change has sparked intense debate over the balance between targeted vaccine guidance and broad public health protection.