RFK Jr.'s CDC isn’t letting states order COVID-19 shots for kids, blocking access

Key Points:

• The CDC has delayed distribution of seasonal COVID-19 vaccines through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, affecting over half of US children who rely on this program for free vaccination.
• Eleven states and one US territory that purchase vaccines universally through VFC contracts are also impacted by the delay, hindering their ability to vaccinate all children regardless of insurance status.
• The Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has not explained the delay but indicated ongoing review of vaccine appropriateness, reflecting Kennedy’s history of opposing COVID-19 vaccines despite lack of evidence supporting his claims.
• Current CDC guidance recommends COVID-19 vaccination for moderately or severely immunocompromised children and allows shared clinical decision-making for healthy children aged 6 months to 17 years, differing from medical groups’ stronger recommendations for vaccinating infants and higher-risk children.
• Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize vaccinating infants 6 to 23 months due to their high risk of severe COVID-19 and hospitalization rates comparable to older adults, urging broader vaccination in this age group.