CDC COVID Vaccine Update: Pregnancy & Children
- Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is no longer advising that pregnant women and healthy children receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The announcement marks a reversal of the CDC's prior guidance.The agency's website had previously stated that everyone six months and older should be vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of...
- Public health officials have quickly responded with criticism. Dr.Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated that the science supporting COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy...
The CDC has reversed its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and children, a move announced by HHS Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr. and sparking controversy. The agency now no longer advises these groups receive the primary_keyword vaccine, a shift from its prior stance. Experts, including the american College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, are voicing concerns, emphasizing that the science supporting vaccination hasn’t changed and questioning the decision-making process which may disregard established protocols. These rapid changes could drastically impact secondary_keyword vaccine access and coverage, possibly increasing costs. News Directory 3 keeps you informed. Discover what’s next as these changes influence the upcoming respiratory disease season.
CDC reverses Recommendation on COVID-19 Vaccine for Pregnant Women and Children
Updated May 28, 2025
In a move that has stirred controversy, the U.S. Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is no longer advising that pregnant women and healthy children receive the COVID-19 vaccine. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the change in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Kennedy appeared alongside Dr. Martin Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Governance (FDA), and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health, stating this action brings the U.S.closer to realizing President Trump’s promise to Make American Healthy Again.
The announcement marks a reversal of the CDC’s prior guidance.The agency’s website had previously stated that everyone six months and older should be vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant.
Public health officials have quickly responded with criticism. Dr.Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated that the science supporting COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy remains unchanged. He emphasized the perhaps catastrophic consequences of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and the safety and protective benefits of the COVID vaccine.
“Despite the change in recommendations from HHS, the science has not changed. It is very clear that COVID infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic…The COVID vaccine is safe during pregnancy.”
Dr. Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), added that COVID-19 can elevate the risk of serious complications for pregnant women, including preterm labor, preeclampsia, and organ damage.
Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have not yet commented. However, Pfizer has previously affirmed its commitment to its COVID-19 vaccine, citing its importance in preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Moderna has also stated its dedication to working with the FDA to ensure access to their vaccine.
How are these decisions typically made?
The FDA approves vaccines based on safety and efficacy data, while the CDC makes recommendations on who should receive them, guided by an advisory committee of experts.It remains unclear whether this committee was consulted before Kennedy’s announcement. Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious diseases, expressed concern that the decision bypassed established evidence-based processes and disregarded the expertise of autonomous medical experts.
“This decision bypasses a long-established, evidence-based process used to ensure vaccine safety and ignores the expertise of independent medical experts…”
Tan echoed these concerns,stating that such a significant policy change should not be made unilaterally,without regard for the potential negative impact on millions of Americans.
What are the potential implications?
This decision could create barriers to accessing COVID-19 vaccines and potentially increase their cost. Insurers often base coverage decisions on CDC recommendations, particularly for children. If the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer recommended, insurers may cease coverage, requiring individuals to pay out-of-pocket.
Tan emphasized that many health insurers rely on federal recommendations for coverage decisions. She urged insurers to maintain coverage for COVID-19 vaccines and called on Congress to provide oversight to ensure appropriate decision-making processes at HHS.
Do pregnant women and children still need COVID-19 vaccines?
Federal health officials initially focused on using COVID-19 vaccines to reduce severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths, rather than preventing infection.Kennedy and his health officials have questioned whether these recommendations remain relevant, given increased immunity from vaccination and prior infection.The FDA recently announced it would limit COVID-19 vaccine approvals to those at highest risk and require additional studies on the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness in healthier individuals.
Despite these changes, infectious disease experts note that COVID-19 continues to cause significant hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women. The CDC maintains that vaccination remains a safer and more reliable way to build protection than contracting the virus.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has stated that maternal immunization is associated with improved infant outcomes and decreased complications, including hospitalizations. O’Leary warned that removing the recommendation could limit families’ choices, emphasizing the higher risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 for pregnant women, infants, and young children, as well as the demonstrated safety of the COVID vaccine.
What’s next
The implications of this policy shift on COVID-19 vaccine access and public health outcomes will continue to unfold as the respiratory disease season approaches.