US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has criticized the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for its new vaccine recommendations that contradict federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The AAP published a schedule recommending COVID-19 vaccines for all children between six months and 23 months.
Kennedy Jr claimed the AAP is “angry” about the CDC’s decision to remove corporate influence on vaccine decisions. He pointed out that four pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer, Moderna, Merck, and Sanofi, are major donors to the AAP’s Friends of Children Fund.
The AAP responded by saying its recommendations are based on decades of peer-reviewed science and transparency about its funders. The organization also stated it welcomes an opportunity to review its recommendations with Kennedy Jr.
The situation has raised questions about the future of federal guidance for the fall, as the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has not yet voted on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. However, the FDA has signaled intentions to revoke the Pfizer COVID-19 shot for young, healthy children and HHS is pulling $500M in funding from mRNA vaccine research and development.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/20/rfk-jr-responds-aap-covid-vaccine-guidelines/85740271007