Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited a lack of clinical data supporting the repeat booster strategy in children and announced the change without CDC input, despite previous CDC recommendations for vaccination starting at six months of age including during pregnancy.

Health experts have expressed concern about the lack of clinical data supporting this decision and worry about the potential negative impact on vulnerable populations, as the decision contradicts ongoing public health guidance advocating for annual boosters.

The decision was made unilaterally by Health Secretary Kennedy without the usual CDC advisory panel vote, which traditionally reviews and votes on such changes before the CDC director endorses or rejects them. This breaks from the established precedent of CDC vaccine policy updates.

The unilateral decision raises questions about vaccine access and insurance coverage for healthy children and pregnant women, potentially complicating who can get vaccinated and whether the vaccine will be covered by insurance without a formal CDC recommendation.

Yes, the CDC's advisory panel is scheduled to meet in June to discuss future COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, which may address or re-evaluate this recent announcement.