U.S. halts COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy children and pregnant women

The U.S. government will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women, according to an announcement by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who labeled the move a “common sense” decision based on scientific evidence. This follows an FDA decision to limit vaccine approvals to adults over 65 and younger individuals with underlying health conditions.

Kennedy, known for spreading vaccine misinformation, celebrated the removal of COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC’s recommended schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. He shared the update in a social media video, although the CDC website still emphasizes the importance of vaccination for pregnant individuals.

FDA officials clarified that vaccine manufacturers must conduct new clinical trials if they wish to maintain vaccine approvals for healthy people under 65. The new policy aligns with those in countries like the UK, Germany, and France, which offer boosters only to older and high-risk populations.