RFK Jr. Health Plan: Excludes Moms & Kids?
- recently stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will no longer advise healthy pregnant women and children to receive the COVID vaccine.
- In a video posted on X, Kennedy expressed his satisfaction, stating this change brings the U.S.
- However, the American Public Health Association's executive director, Georges C.
RFK Jr. Claims Shift in COVID Vaccine Advice for Pregnant Women, Children
Updated May 28, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will no longer advise healthy pregnant women and children to receive the COVID vaccine. This announcement contrasts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, which currently recommends that all individuals six months and older get the updated COVID vaccine. The CDC also warns that pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness and complications from the virus.
In a video posted on X, Kennedy expressed his satisfaction, stating this change brings the U.S. closer to fulfilling former President TrumpS promise to “make america healthy again.”
However, the American Public Health Association’s executive director, Georges C. Benjamin, said he is unaware of data supporting Kennedy’s claim. He questioned whether advisory committees were consulted and requested to see the evidence and studies behind the decision.
Medical professionals have voiced concerns regarding Kennedy’s statement. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases chair, dr. Sean O’Leary, anticipates confusion among parents, public health professionals, and medical experts. Dr. Steven J. Fleischman,president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,emphasized the dangers of COVID infection during pregnancy,citing the protection that maternal antibodies from the vaccine provide to newborns.
Studies have indicated that COVID vaccination during pregnancy protects newborn babies from serious complications. Research published in JAMA suggested reduced pediatric SARS-CoV-2 transmission following immunization, supporting the use of COVID-19 vaccines to decrease COVID-19 incidence and hospitalization in children.
What’s next
The discrepancy between Kennedy’s announcement and official CDC guidance raises questions about the future of COVID vaccine recommendations and their potential impact on public health,particularly for pregnant women and children.Further clarification from the HHS and CDC is anticipated to address these concerns.