CDC opens state ordering for COVID-19 vaccines after unexplained delay

Key Points:

• After a nearly monthlong delay, states can now order the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines through the federal Vaccines for Children program, which provides free immunizations to low-income children, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• The delay was unexplained by Trump administration officials, raising concerns about interference from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of opposing COVID-19 vaccines and previously revoked CDC universal vaccine recommendations for children.
• The postponement was reportedly due to CDC leadership awaiting final approval of clinical guidance for healthcare professionals, which required external expert review, despite CDC career officials having completed preparations earlier.
• Current CDC recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination remain based on the July 2025 immunization schedule, advising vaccines for immunocompromised children aged 6 months to 17 years and shared clinical decision-making for healthy children, while leading medical groups recommend broader vaccination for infants and certain children this season.
• HHS confirmed that vaccine ordering is now open but declined to clarify the reasons behind the delay or how it was resolved, maintaining that vaccines purchased through federally funded programs must be appropriate for the populations served.