BREAKING: Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the removal of the COVID vaccine from the CDC's immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women — a move that could alter guidance for doctors as well as some insurance coverage. https://t.co/DpO6pInCYK pic.twitter.com/YMRo5pXOz9
— ABC News (@ABC) May 27, 2025
The CDC will no longer recommend routine COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, according to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer recommend routine COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children and pregnant women, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday.
“We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS’s promise to Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy said on X.
The shift follows FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary’s plan to limit COVID shot use to older adults and people with health conditions. New vaccines for healthy individuals will now require full placebo-controlled trials before approval.
Kennedy’s decision sparked criticism from public health experts. “This is clearly not coming from that direction, and that’s greatly concerning,” said Dr. Richard Besser, former CDC acting director.
Though current COVID rates are low, the virus still circulates. “We still have children in our emergency department with COVID,” said Dr. Paul Offit.
Experts warn that insurance coverage, availability, and usage may decline without CDC endorsement, particularly among children and pregnant women.