CDC now says kids "may receive" COVID-19 vaccines

Published: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 1:41 pm

CDC Shifts COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Children: What You Need to Know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for children, marking a significant shift in its recommendations. The new guidelines state that children aged six months and older *may receive* the COVID-19 vaccine, even if they don't have underlying health conditions. This represents a change from the previous broad recommendation for all children to get vaccinated.

The decision, which follows an announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasizes "shared clinical decision-making." This means that the decision to vaccinate a child should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the child's individual circumstances and parental preferences.

The CDC continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines for children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. The agency also maintains its broad recommendation for all adults to get vaccinated.

While the CDC has updated its guidance for children, it's unclear why the agency hasn't yet updated its recommendations for pregnant women. Despite Kennedy's announcement that healthy pregnant women are no longer recommended to get the vaccine, several CDC webpages still advise vaccination for pregnant women due to their higher risk of severe illness.

These changes are significant because they influence policies like insurance coverage. The "shared clinical decision-making" approach ensures that health insurance companies will continue to cover the vaccines for children, even if the recommendation is no longer universal. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) typically reviews and updates these recommendations, and the recent changes align with discussions the committee has been having.

BNN's Perspective: This shift reflects a more nuanced approach to COVID-19 vaccination, acknowledging the evolving understanding of the virus and its impact on different populations. While the CDC's updated guidance provides more flexibility for parents and healthcare providers, it's crucial to stay informed and consult with medical professionals to make the best decisions for individual children. The lack of clarity regarding pregnant women's recommendations is concerning and needs immediate clarification.

Keywords: CDC, COVID-19 vaccine, children, vaccination, immunization, guidance, recommendations, health, insurance coverage, pregnant women, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, ACIP, shared clinical decision-making, vaccine safety, vaccine effectiveness, health insurance, pediatric vaccines

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