COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Stuck in Limbo: RFK Jr.'s Delay Threatens Kids' Protection

RFK Jr. Drags Feet on COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations, Delaying Shots for Kids As respiratory virus season draws near, the federal vaccination schedule remains in limbo due to a lack of updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who chairs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This delay has left states unable to order shots for low-income children through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines to around half of all US children. According to two immunization program experts who spoke with Stat News earlier this week, the absence of signed-off recommendations means that states cannot yet access COVID-19 shots for children in the VFC program. "This is a critical issue," said one expert, who wished to remain anonymous due to potential reprisal from the Trump administration. "We need these vaccines to protect our most vulnerable populations." Typically, federal vaccination recommendations are made after a panel of expert advisors reviews vaccine data and votes on recommendations for use. The CDC director then decides whether to accept or reject those recommendations. However, this year's process has been stalled due to Kennedy Jr.'s reluctance to sign off on the updated vaccine recommendations. The delay has significant implications for low-income children who rely on the VFC program for access to vaccines. "These kids are already at a disadvantage," said Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at Baylor College of Medicine. "We need to make sure they have access to the same level of protection as their more affluent peers." The CDC has not commented on the delay or Kennedy Jr.'s role in holding up the recommendations. However, sources close to the agency say that pressure is mounting for a resolution. As respiratory virus season approaches, public health experts are growing increasingly concerned about the potential consequences of this delay. "We're at a critical juncture," said Dr. Hotez. "We need to get these vaccines approved and distributed as quickly as possible." The ACIP is expected to meet again in late August to discuss the updated vaccine recommendations. However, it remains unclear whether Kennedy Jr. will sign off on the recommendations by then. Background: The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to around half of all US children who are Medicaid-eligible or under- or uninsured. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a panel of expert advisors that reviews vaccine data and votes on recommendations for use. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. chairs the ACIP, but has been reluctant to sign off on updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Peter Hotez, pediatrician and vaccine expert at Baylor College of Medicine: "We need to make sure these kids have access to the same level of protection as their more affluent peers." Immunization program experts (anonymous): "This is a critical issue... We need these vaccines to protect our most vulnerable populations." Current Status and Next Developments: The ACIP is expected to meet again in late August to discuss updated vaccine recommendations. It remains unclear whether Kennedy Jr. will sign off on the recommendations by then. Public health experts are growing increasingly concerned about the potential consequences of this delay. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*