COVID Shots No Longer Recommended for Most Children and Pregnant Women

In a decisive shift toward a more tailored and transparent public health policy, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the U.S. government will no longer recommend routine COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women. The move reflects a broader reassessment of federal health guidelines under the Kennedy administration, which is focused on restoring public trust and prioritizing individualized care over one-size-fits-all mandates.

Kennedy, joined by senior federal health officials in a recent public address, explained that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be included on the routine immunization schedule for these groups. Instead, the emphasis will be placed on vaccinating older adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at greater risk from the virus.

This marks a significant departure from previous administrations, which aggressively promoted widespread vaccination—including repeated boosters for children—often without robust clinical backing. Kennedy criticized that approach, arguing that public health decisions should be based on clear, current data rather than political pressure or pharmaceutical lobbying.

While some traditional processes, such as a vote by an advisory panel, were not followed in this instance, the Kennedy team defended the decision as urgent and necessary. They pointed out that many other countries have already reevaluated and scaled back similar recommendations for healthy children, and emerging evidence shows that COVID now poses far less danger to that demographic than it once did.

Supporters of the policy applaud it as a return to medical freedom and informed consent. Pediatric specialists who favor the change argue that the earlier blanket recommendations were overly broad and not sufficiently justified by clinical outcomes. They see the Kennedy administration’s approach as a correction—grounded in the latest science and respectful of parental choice.

While some critics have voiced concerns about the procedural aspects of the announcement, legal experts suggest that the government has broad discretion to revise public health recommendations when the underlying science changes. Health insurers and pharmacies are now working to adapt to the updated guidelines, which could ultimately lead to more personalized care and reduced pressure on families.

Vaccine manufacturers have yet to comment on the policy, but Kennedy’s supporters view the decision as a bold step toward depoliticizing public health and empowering Americans with clearer, more rational guidance.