The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines, allowing children over six months old to receive shots after consulting a medical provider. This change contradicts Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s push to drop the vaccine requirement for healthy kids.
According to the CDC, healthy children from six months to 17 years old may now get COVID vaccines, but the decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider and personal preference. The updated guidance also applies to healthy pregnant women.
Kennedy had previously announced that the CDC would no longer recommend the vaccine for healthy kids and healthy pregnant women. However, not all CDC webpages have been updated yet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has expressed relief over the vaccine schedule preserving families’ ability to access COVID vaccines. The AAP notes that the new recommendation allows for open conversation between patients and providers about what’s best for an individual, but also raises concerns about the stability of immunization infrastructure.
Health experts warn that this change may erect cost and access hurdles for two groups at greater risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19: healthy kids and pregnant women. With most Americans under 65 no longer seeking out COVID boosters, the new guidance may make it harder for these vulnerable populations to access vaccines.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/30/cdc-contradicts-rfk-covid-vaccines