The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday, May 27th, that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, removing the shots from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) immunization schedule.
In a video posted on X, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., together with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf and National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins. Kennedy stated that the “COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule.” He added that this step moves the nation closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to make America healthy again.
The move comes ahead of a scheduled CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, bypassing the traditional process that includes review and voting by an independent panel. Typically, vaccine recommendations require approval from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) before being adopted by the CDC.
The change is expected to impact vaccine access, as insurance coverage often hinges on inclusion in the CDC schedule. Some insurers are currently evaluating how the revision may affect policy guidelines. A spokesperson for CVS Health confirmed that the company is reviewing the regulatory update, while a representative from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association underscored the importance of preventive health services.
Medical professionals expressed concern over the announcement. Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, expressed disappointment and noted that COVID-19 during pregnancy poses serious risks. He explained that obstetricians who treat patients daily have observed how dangerous COVID infection can be during pregnancy, and emphasized that newborns rely on protective antibodies from vaccinated mothers for their safety.
Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics described the decision as confusing for both parents and health professionals, warning it could limit informed choices.
While Kennedy and his team cited a lack of clinical data supporting repeated boosters for children, the CDC maintains that vaccines during pregnancy and early childhood are safe and provide critical protection against COVID-19 complications.
