Trump administration may drop CDC COVID vaccine push for kids, pregnant women
The Trump administration is changing its stance on COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for children and pregnant women. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is planning to withdraw federal guidance urging these groups to receive the COVID vaccine as a routine measure.
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that individuals aged 6 months and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19. However, this guidance may soon be revised or eliminated altogether by HHS.
The decision represents a significant departure from the previous approach to vaccination during the pandemic, which emphasized widespread vaccination efforts. Recent data from the CDC shows low uptake of COVID boosters among children and pregnant women, with only 13% and 14% respectively receiving the latest shot as of April.
As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, prepares to implement stricter vaccine approval processes, the Trump administration’s shift in vaccination guidance is part of a broader change in federal health policy. Kennedy, known for his skepticism of mRNA vaccines and mass vaccination campaigns, now has the authority to update CDC recommendations as HHS secretary.
The move to retract routine COVID vaccination recommendations for children and pregnant women is expected to have implications for public health policy and insurance coverage of the shots. Critics warn that it may discourage vaccination efforts and increase the vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals, while supporters argue that it aligns policy with scientific evidence and common sense.
Both HHS and CDC have not yet responded to requests for comment on the revised guidance. This change marks a significant shift in vaccination strategy and underscores the ongoing debate over COVID-19 vaccination policies in the United States.
This article was written by Jasmine, a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. For story submissions, please email jasmine.baehr@fox.com.
