The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to stop recommending routine COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women, teenagers, and children, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently advises that individuals aged six months and older should receive updated COVID-19 vaccines, irrespective of prior vaccinations. It remains unclear whether HHS intends to completely eliminate these recommendations or simply encourage patients to consult their doctors regarding risks and benefits. As of April 26, only about 14% of pregnant women and 13% of children had received the updated vaccine, per CDC data. Moderna and Novavax have declined to comment, while HHS and Pfizer have not responded to Reuters inquiries. HHS is led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccines. FDA commissioner Martin Makary has also questioned several public health measures during the pandemic and opposed vaccine mandates for the general population. Novavax is currently addressing issues with the FDA regarding its vaccine approval, following the regulator missing its April 1 target. Alongside potential changes in CDC recommendations, the FDA is reportedly preparing a new framework for vaccine approvals next week. This development occurs amid significant layoffs, including high-ranking scientists, under Kennedy’s leadership, raising concerns about possible disruptions to the regulatory review process for treatments and vaccines.
— new from Reuters
