CDC ‍reverses Recommendation on COVID-19 ⁣Vaccine for Pregnant Women and⁤ Children

Updated May 28, 2025
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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.