RFK Jr. says annual COVID-19 shots no longer advised for healthy children, pregnant women - public health expert explains new guidance
Kennedy
Jr. announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer include the COVID-19 vaccine on the list of immunizations it recommends for healthy children and pregnant women.
The announcement, made in a video posted on the social platform X, comes on the heels of another announcement, made on May 20, in which the Food and Drug Administration revealed that it will approve new versions of the vaccine only for adults 65 years of age and older and for people with one or more risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
The agency will require vaccine manufacturers to conduct clinical trials to demonstrate that the vaccine benefits low-risk groups.
The Conversation US asked
Libby Richards
, a nursing professor from Purdue University involved in public health promotion, to explain what these announcements mean for the general public.
Why are HHS and
FDA
diverging from past practice?
Currently, getting a yearly COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, regardless of their health risk.
In the video announcing the plan to remove the vaccine from the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women, Kennedy spoke alongside
National Institutes of Health
Director
Jay Bhattacharya
and FDA Commissioner
Marty Makary
.
The trio cited a lack of evidence to support vaccinating healthy children. They did not explain the reason for the change to the vaccine schedule for pregnant people, who have previously been considered at high-risk for severe COVID-19.
Similarly, in the FDA announcement made a week prior, Makary and the agency's head of vaccines,
Vinay Prasad
, said that public health trends now support limiting vaccines to people at high risk of serious illness instead of a universal COVID-19 vaccination strategy.
Was this a controversial decision or a clear consensus?
Many public health experts and professional health care associations have raised concerns about Kennedy's latest announcement, saying it contradicts studies showing that COVID-19 vaccination benefits pregnant people and children.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, considered the premier professional organisation for that medical specialty, reinforced the importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, especially to protect infants after birth.
Likewise, the American Academy of Pediatrics pointed to the data on hospitalisations of children with COVID-19 during the 2024-to-2025 respiratory virus season as evidence for the importance of vaccination.
Kennedy's announcement on children and pregnant women comes roughly a month ahead of a planned meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of vaccine experts that offers guidance to the CDC on vaccine policy.
The meeting was set to review guidance for the 2025-to-2026 COVID-19 vaccines. It's not typical for the CDC to alter its recommendations without input from the committee.
FDA officials Makary and Prasad also strayed from past established vaccine regulatory processes in announcing the FDA's new stance on recommendations for healthy people under age 65.
Usually, the FDA broadly approves a vaccine based on whether it is safe and effective, and decisions on who should be eligible to receive it are left to the CDC, which bases its decision on the advisory committee's research-based guidance.
The advisory committee was expected to recommend a risk-based approach for the COVID-19 vaccine, but it was also expected to recommend allowing low-risk people to get annual COVID-19 vaccines if they want to. The CDC's and FDA's new policies on the vaccine will likely make it difficult for healthy people to get the vaccine.
What conditions count as risk factors?
The CDC lists several medical conditions and other factors that increase peoples' risk for severe COVID-19. These conditions include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, chronic kidney disease and some lung conditions like COPD and asthma. Pregnancy is also on the list.
The article authored by Makary and Prasad describing the FDA's new stance on the vaccine also contain a lengthy list of risk factors and notes that about 100 million to 200 million people will fall into this category and will thus be eligible to get the vaccine. Pregnancy is included. Reversing the recommendation for vaccinating healthy pregnant women thus contradicts the new framework described by the FDA.
Studies have documented that COVID-19 vaccines are safe during pregnancy and may reduce the risk of stillbirth. A study published in May 2025 using data from 26,783 pregnancies found a link between COVID-19 infection before and during pregnancy and an increased risk for spontaneous abortions.
Importantly, a 2024 analysis of 120 studies including a total of 168,444 pregnant women with COVID-19 infections did not find enough evidence to suggest the infections are a direct cause of early pregnancy loss.
Nonetheless, the authors did state that COVID-19 vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure for pregnant women to reduce the overall risk of serious complications in pregnancy due to infection.
Immune changes during pregnancy increase the risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses. Vaccination during pregnancy also provides protection to the fetus that lasts into the first few months of life and is associated with a lower risk of COVID-19 related hospitalisation among infants.
The changes to the CDC's and the FDA's plan for COVID-19 vaccines also leave out an important group - caregivers and household members of people at high risk of severe illness from infection. This omission leaves high-risk people more vulnerable to exposure to COVID-19 from healthy people they regularly interact with. Multiple countries with risk-based vaccination policies do include this group.
What about vaccines for children?
High-risk children age 6 months and older who have conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 are still eligible for the vaccine. Existing vaccines already on the market will remain available, but it is unclear how long they will stay authorised and how the change in vaccine policy will affect childhood vaccination overall.
To date, millions of children have safely received the COVID-19 vaccine. Data on whether children benefit from annual COVD-19 vaccines is less clear. Parents and clinicians make vaccination decisions by weighing potential risks with potential benefits.
Will low-risk people be able to get a COVID-19 shot?
Not automatically. Kennedy's announcement does not broadly address healthy adults, but under the new FDA framework, healthy adults who wish to receive the fall COVID-19 vaccine will likely face obstacles.
Health care providers can administer vaccines "off-label", but insurance coverage is widely based on FDA recommendations. The new, narrower FDA approval will likely reduce both access to COVID-19 vaccines for the general public and insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccines.
Under the Affordable Care Act,
Medicare
, Medicaid and private insurance providers are required to fully cover the cost of any vaccine endorsed by the CDC. Kennedy's announcement will likely limit insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccination.
Overall, the move to focus on individual risks and benefits may overlook broader public health benefits. Communities with higher vaccination rates have fewer opportunities to spread the virus. (The Conversation) GRS GRS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Goa's emergency medical services are a model for India
Written by Vishwajit P Rane Across India, millions die not from lack of medical care, but from the inability to access it in time. The precious 'golden hour' — those critical first 60 minutes after an emergency — becomes a race against time that too many families lose. This healthcare gap hits India's poorest the hardest, where medical emergencies bring double tragedy: Fear of losing a loved one and crushing medical bills that destroy generations of progress. Before 2008, Goa faced typical emergency care challenges despite advanced infrastructure. Unpredictable delays, fragmented services, and economic barriers particularly affected migrant workers and daily labourers. Geographic complexities, narrow roads, the tourist influx, and scattered communities compounded these problems. The journey of revolutionary transformation began in September 2008 with the establishment of Goa's 108 Emergency Medical Services through partnerships with EMRI Green Health Services. Starting with 18 Basic Life Support ambulances, this initiative reimagined emergency care beyond simple transport to integrated response systems. This transformation needed more investment and a dedicated control system which got more prominence after 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned a path towards affordable and accessible healthcare for all. Today, Goa has a fleet of 103 vehicles, including Advanced Life Support ambulances, Cardiac Care units, Neo-Natal ambulances, and bike ambulances that navigate Goa's unique landscape. This diversification addresses geographic, economic, and social barriers that lead to healthcare exclusion. The state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre in Bambolim operates 24/7, with an average response time of less than 12 minutes. GPS-enabled vehicles, Computer-Aided Dispatch systems, and Electronic Patient Care Records create seamless coordination between responders and hospitals. So far, 16 Emergency Care Centres across Primary and Community Health Centres have handled over 5,24,000 emergencies, proving distributed care effectiveness. The 104 Health Helpline, launched in 2018, processed over 79,334 calls during Covid-19, serving as a vital public health communication bridge in Goa. The Community First Responder programme trains one family member per household in emergency medical assistance, creating distributed networks of first responders. This community-based approach recognises that sustainable emergency response must build local capacity, not just rely on professional services. The numbers tell a powerful story: Over 8,10,000 emergencies handled, more than 60,435 lives saved, and over 1,38,000 road accident victims transported safely. Beyond statistics, the service has gained national recognition, with multiple states studying Goa's model for adaptation. When emergency care becomes universally accessible, families gain freedom to pursue business ventures previously considered too risky. The World Health Organisation found that over 60 million Indians fall into poverty annually due to healthcare expenses — Goa's model breaks this destructive cycle. Women, especially, benefit from accessible emergency childbirth care, gaining confidence in family planning decisions. The peace of mind from healthcare security enables families to dream bigger, invest in the future, and pursue opportunities that drive prosperity. Emergency medical services work as powerful economic liberation tools. When comprehensive emergency coverage provides financial protection, small business owners, daily wage workers, and migrant labourers can engage more confidently in productive work. Communities with reliable emergency services typically experience increased economic activity as residents feel secure enough to invest locally. The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) which provides free transportation for pregnant women and sick newborns from public health facilities back to their homes after delivery or treatment have assisted over 50,660 pregnant women and facilitated more than 5,000 emergency deliveries in Goa. The STEMI initiative has substantially reduced heart attack death rates through coordinated rapid response protocols. Goa's success demonstrates a practical implementation of the Prime Minister's healthcare vision on a larger scale. The key elements that enable successful replication across India include treating emergency care as a public service rather than a market product, ensuring universal access regardless of economic status. The integration of advanced technological systems with skilled personnel creates powerful combinations that maximise effectiveness, while community empowerment initiatives build local capacity alongside professional services. Continuous improvement through evidence-based enhancement and systematic monitoring ensures sustained quality and responsiveness to evolving needs. This comprehensive approach has earned the model international recognition, positioning India as a global leader in innovative emergency healthcare delivery and attracting valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and technical cooperation with international health organisations. The state health department is now focusing on artificial intelligence applications in the health sector, expanded telemedicine integration, and enhanced climate change adaptation. Integration with broader digital health systems will enable transition from reactive emergency response toward proactive health promotion and disease prevention. Goa's Emergency Medical Services transformation addresses systematic challenges while advancing inclusive development. This initiative goes beyond traditional healthcare to become a powerful tool for social justice and economic progress in the state. The model validates treating healthcare as strategic investment in human potential rather than welfare spending. By ensuring universal access to excellent emergency care regardless of economic circumstances, the service makes real the constitutional promise of healthcare as fundamental right while contributing to poverty reduction and social mobility. As India pursues the Prime Minister's vision of a healthy, prosperous nation, Goa's experience provides valuable evidence that emergency medical services can catalyse comprehensive social transformation. The integration of immediate medical response with broader social support offers a practical blueprint for healthcare delivery that addresses both disease burdens and social factors affecting health. In India's development journey, Goa's emergency medical services emerges as an inspiring chapter where technology and humanity, efficiency and empathy, innovation and tradition create something truly special — not merely a healthcare service, but a beacon of hope lighting pathways toward a more equal, compassionate, and prosperous future for all Indians. The writer is the Health Minister of Goa
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Oligonucleotides: The Tiny Molecules, Reshaping Modern Medicine
Diseases, not just treated but edited out. Oligonucleotide therapies are making it possible. Imagine if doctors could fix a disease by correcting the problem in your DNA, like editing a sentence in a book. That's not science fiction anymore. It's happening today with a new kind of treatment called oligonucleotide therapy. These treatments don't just treat symptoms like fever or pain. Instead, they go to the root cause of your genes and try to fix what's wrong. What Are Oligonucleotide therapies? Oligonucleotides (we'll call them short DNA or oligos) are tiny man-made pieces of genetic material, like DNA or RNA. They are manufactured in a laboratory and are used to send special messages inside the body's cells. These messages can help turn off harmful genes, repair damaged ones, or change how they work. Oligonucleotide therapies come in different types, like antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and aptamers. Each type works a bit differently, but they all aim to fix faulty genetic messages inside our cells. Depending on the type of oligo, they act in different ways: Block harmful proteins: Some oligos stick to bad RNA and stop it from making harmful proteins. Destroy faulty messages: Others call in the body's enzymes to break down the bad RNA before it can do damage. Fix genetic mistakes: Some oligos help the body 'edit' or 'splice' RNA properly, correcting how a gene message is read. In short, oligo therapies are smart medicines that repair the body's internal instructions. How Are They Helping People? In recent years, oligos have been used to treat some very serious illnesses, especially those caused by faulty genes. Some real-world U.S. FDA-approved examples include: Spinraza: Helps children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) walk and breathe better. Exondys 51: Used for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to help muscles stay stronger for longer. Tofersen: Approved to treat a rare genetic form of ALS, a nerve disease. Olezarsen: A new drug that treats a rare condition where fat levels in the blood become dangerously high. Qfitlia: Approved to treat Hemophilia A or B, with or without inhibitors, the first and only such treatment of its kind. More are on the way. Over 30 oligo-based treatments are being tested in clinical trials for diseases like cancer, heart problems, blood disorders, and even rare brain conditions. Offer new hope for patients with serious genetic diseases. Why Oligonucleotides Are a Game-Changer in Drug Development? Here's why experts believe oligonucleotides are changing the future of medicine: Super-Targeted Treatment: These medicines work like a GPS. They find and fix specific genetic problems without affecting the rest of the body. This means more effective treatment and fewer side effects. Quick to Develop: Oligonucleotide drugs can be made faster than traditional medicines because they follow a simpler design. This helps scientists respond more quickly, especially during health emergencies or for rare diseases. Fewer Side Effects: Since they only act on the problem area, they're often safer and easier on the body. Many patients tolerate them well. Work Even in Small Doses: These medicines are powerful. Just a small amount can be enough to get the job done, reducing the need for heavy doses. Can Treat Many Illnesses: From rare genetic disorders and cancers to viral infections like hepatitis, oligonucleotide therapies can be used for a wide range of diseases. This makes them very versatile. Fixes Problems at the Gene Level: Unlike other drugs that just manage symptoms, oligonucleotides can turn off faulty genes, fix how genes are read, or stop harmful proteins from forming. Better Technology Means Better Results: With new ways to deliver these drugs into the body and protect them from breaking down, they are now more stable, more accurate, and more effective. Challenges Ahead: Despite their potential, oligonucleotide therapies face several significant hurdles: High development and manufacturing costs Complex regulatory approval processes Limited public and clinical awareness There is a need for specialized delivery systems to reach target tissues. Their large molecular size prevents easy entry into cells, requiring innovative delivery approaches such as inhalable aerosols or nano formulations. These methods are less invasive than monoclonal antibodies and may also reduce adverse effects like hypersensitivity reactions. Currently, over 30 second-generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are in clinical trials for neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and cancer-related conditions. However, challenges such as short half-life, rapid clearance, and inefficient cellular uptake persist. Advanced solutions, like lipid- or polymer-based nanoparticles and ligand-conjugated oligos, are actively being developed to overcome these barriers. While trials for chronic respiratory diseases remain limited, the FDA's approval of oligo-based drugs for disorders like spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy marks a major step forward. Ongoing research into chemical modifications and synergistic combinations is focused on enhancing stability, reducing toxicity, and improving targeted delivery. These challenges also present strategic opportunities. With investments in biotech infrastructure, workforce training, and public–private partnerships, India is well-positioned to become a global leader in oligonucleotide therapeutics. Why India Should Pay Attention: While most approved oligo therapies have emerged from biotech giants in the US and Europe, India has significant potential to emerge as a hub for research, development, and manufacturing in this field. India already houses a growing ecosystem of biotech startups, academic research labs, and genetic testing companies. Our country's strength in cost-effective synthesis of oligonucleotides (used in diagnostics, sequencing, and therapeutics) positions us well for expansion into therapeutics. Imagine an India where advanced gene therapies are not just imported at high prices, but developed locally, affordably, and ethically. The Road Forward: The science of oligonucleotide therapies is still young but advancing rapidly. From rare genetic diseases to common cancers, the potential applications are vast. Global momentum is building, and India must not be left behind. By supporting genomics education, building strong research ecosystems, and encouraging regulatory innovation, we can move from being importers of advanced therapies to becoming innovators and exporters. Artificial Intelligence is further accelerating this progress. From AI-powered design of oligonucleotides to predictive models for delivery and efficacy, smart algorithms are helping scientists develop safer, more precise, and faster therapies. For millions of patients waiting for real cures, these tiny molecules carry huge hope. Bangalore-based Barcode Biosciences, a trusted manufacturer of high-quality oligonucleotides for biopharma, research, and diagnostics laboratories across India, the Middle East, and beyond, is planning to step into GMP-grade therapeutic oligo production in near future, empowering pharma and driving the next wave of transformative treatments. Author: Dr. Ramprasad Kuncham, Scientist, Managing Director & CEO of Barcode Biosciences, is driving India's genomic advancement through expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis, pioneering the launch of the nation's first end to end gene synthesis , and sequencing services "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
COVID cases on rise in these US states as new variant ‘stratus' spreads. Here's what to know
COVID-19 cases are once again rising across the United States, and health experts believe a new variant, called XFG or 'stratus,' may be to blame. The increase is happening earlier than expected, just before schools reopen, raising fears of more spread in classrooms, Axios reported. The Stratus variant (XFG) of COVID-19 was first detected in January in Southeast Asia,(REUTERS) The variant was first detected in January in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization had classified it as a 'variant under monitoring' by June, due to its global spread. XFG was given its cloud-themed nickname "Stratus" by evolutionary biologist T. Ryan Gregory. Also read: Trump to meet Putin in Alaska airbase tomorrow: All you need to know about the summit Experts warn of possible summer wave Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 12 states have much higher COVID-19 test positivity rates than the rest of the country. Arizona is among the worst hit, with a positivity rate above 11 per cent. Other states in the southern US, and along the West Coast, are also seeing cases rise or are likely to rise soon. Here is the list of states with the highest COVID test positivity. New Mexico (12%) Texas (12%) Oklahoma (12%) Arkansas (12%) Louisiana (12%) Nevada (11.3%) Arizona (11.3%) California (11.3%) Alaska (11.1%) Washington (11.1%) Oregon (11.1%) Idaho (11.1%) It has been observed that the US faces two distinct waves of COVID, one in the winter and another in the summer, as per USA Today. New variants, peaks in travel and decreasing immunity from prior infection and vaccination can lead to the surge, experts note. Stratus COVID variant: Symptoms The symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, headache, fever or chills, cough, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, new loss of sense of taste or smell, muscle aches, and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Also read: Prince William once spent a night sleeping on London streets, and here's what happened Stratus COVID variant: How to stay safe? People can take simple steps to be cautious, stay home if unwell and immediately get tested if symptoms appear. Wearing masks in crowded and indoor spaces can help as well, reported. Officials have encouraged people to check the eligibility for updated COVID-19 vaccines or boosters. "Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease," the WHO stated in its June report. For now, the CDC continues to monitor the situation closely, urging Americans to stay informed and take precautions. FAQs Q1. What is the 'stratus' variant? It's a new COVID-19 variant suspected to be driving recent case surges in the US. Q2. Which states are most affected? Arizona and 11 other states have the highest test positivity rates in the country. Q3. What precautions are recommended? Stay home if sick. Get tested if symptoms appear, wear masks in crowded indoor areas, and check eligibility for updated vaccines or boosters.
