Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed the COVID vaccine from the CDC’s immunization schedule for children and pregnant women, effectively eliminating the legal basis for mandating the shots for anyone.
At a Glance
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has eliminated COVID vaccines from the CDC’s recommended schedule for children and pregnant women
- This policy change removes the legal foundation for COVID vaccine mandates across all demographics
- Current vaccination rates are low, with only 13% of children and 23% of adults having received the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine
- The CDC has updated its guidance from stating children “should” get COVID vaccines to saying they “may” receive them
- A CDC advisory panel will meet in June to make further recommendations about fall vaccination strategies
Mandate Foundation Removed
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC’s immunization schedule for children and pregnant women represents a significant policy reversal with far-reaching implications. Kennedy announced the changes in a video posted to social media, confirming the CDC has already updated its recommendations. The guidance now states that healthy children “may” receive COVID-19 vaccinations rather than the previous language indicating they “should” get the shots.
According to Todd Erzen of Blaze News, this change carries implications beyond just the specified demographics. The removal effectively dismantles the entire mandate structure for COVID vaccines across all population groups. The legal framework for vaccine mandates typically requires comprehensive coverage across all major population categories, and this policy shift creates a significant precedent.
Carlson was horrified when Dr. Bowden mentioned a disturbing fact: “According to the CDC, 9 million American children have gotten the latest version of these COVID shots,” she said.
Clearly caught off guard, Carlson asked, “Actually?”
“Yes,” Bowden confirmed.
“Still?” he… pic.twitter.com/ihkbx4zKeJ
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) April 3, 2025
Concerns About Necessity and Risk
Critics of the previous vaccination policy have argued that COVID-19 presented minimal risk to children compared to seasonal influenza. Current vaccination rates reflect limited public adoption, with CDC data showing only 13% of children and 23% of adults have received the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. The updated CDC approach implements a “shared decision-making” model, suggesting parents may decide to vaccinate their children in consultation with medical professionals.
While health insurers will still be required to cover the cost of these vaccinations, experts anticipate the policy shift may result in further decreases in vaccination rates. The change comes amid ongoing discussions about focusing COVID-19 vaccination efforts primarily on high-risk groups, particularly individuals aged 65 and older who face significantly greater health risks from the virus.
Future Vaccination Strategy
A CDC advisory panel is scheduled to meet in June to develop recommendations for fall vaccinations. Options under consideration include targeted approaches for high-risk populations and voluntary vaccination for lower-risk individuals. Kennedy’s announcement has drawn criticism for coming ahead of the scientific panel’s review, with some public health experts expressing concern about the timing and approach of the policy change.
The CDC guidance states explicitly that the updated recommendations apply to children ages 6 months to 17 years who do not have moderate or severe immune system disorders. Despite the policy shift, some public health officials continue to advocate for widespread vaccination. The debate highlights the tension between individual choice in healthcare decisions and public health strategies to address communicable diseases.
