CDC Removes COVID Vaccine for Healthy Kids, Pregnant

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, and NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya announced the removal of COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy pregnant women and children, citing a lack of clinical data supporting ongoing booster use in these groups. The decision aligns the U.S. with most other countries and follows new FDA rules restricting routine COVID-19 boosters to seniors and high-risk individuals, with new clinical trials required for approval in healthy people under 65. Experts warn the change could affect insurance coverage, as vaccines not recommended by the CDC may not be covered. Some infectious disease specialists argue the decision is driven more by politics than science and call for transparent data review. The CDC was not directly involved in the announcement, and its advisory panel was still scheduled to review the recommendations. Ongoing concerns remain over public confidence in vaccination amid shifting policies.