New COVID vaccine recommendations threaten access, undermine choice and will negatively impact health

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women does the opposite of what Americans have been asking for when it comes to their health — it takes away choices and will negatively impact them. Many health insurers rely on federal recommendations to determine coverage, and this decision could make it significantly harder for millions of Americans to access vaccines they want for themselves and their families. This change is particularly troubling because pregnancy is a well-established risk factor for severe COVID-19 complications, including preterm labor and birth, preeclampsia, heart injury, blood clots, hypertension and kidney damage. Infants and children may also develop severe disease and may suffer from prolonged symptoms due to long COVID, which can negatively impact their development.

This decision bypassed longstanding processes through which the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC — an external body of highly vetted experts — conducts a robust review of scientific evidence in open, public meetings to make vaccine recommendations for people of all ages. It is concerning that such a significant policy change was made unilaterally outside an open, evidence-based process with no regard for the negative impact this will have on millions of Americans.

IDSA strongly urges insurers to maintain coverage for COVID-19 vaccines so that all Americans can make the best decisions to protect themselves and their families against severe illness, hospitalization and death. IDSA also urges Congress to conduct meaningful and necessary oversight to ensure appropriate decision-making processes at the Department of Health and Human Services, which will impact people of all ages.

— Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP — President, IDSA 

About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a community of more than 13,000 physicians, scientists and public health experts who specialize in infectious diseases. Its purpose is to improve the health of individuals, communities and society by promoting excellence in patient care, education, research, public health and prevention relating to infectious diseases. Learn more at idsociety.org.