US LIMITS COVID VACCINE RECOMMENDATION TO HIGH-RISK GROUPS ONLY

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 28TH MAY 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

In a major policy shift, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the government will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women. Instead, vaccines will be advised only for adults aged 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions. This change aligns the US with nations like the UK, Germany, and France, where annual boosters target high-risk groups. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, called it a “common sense” decision backed by science.

The FDA now requires new clinical trials, including saline placebo comparisons, for approval in healthy individuals under 65. Experts expressed concern, with Dr. Amesh Adalja of Johns Hopkins saying childhood vaccines should remain routine. Dr. Paul Offit warned the move might limit access in the privatized healthcare system. Notably, CDC guidance still urges vaccination for pregnant women, stating they face higher risks from COVID-19, though updates are expected.