A significant shift in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations is underway, fueled by a panel advising Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. On Friday, this advisory group unanimously voted to eliminate the blanket recommendation for COVID-19 vaccines for Americans aged 65 and older. Instead, they propose that vaccination for this age group should only occur after a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider.
This move, if adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), would represent a substantial change in official policy and could be interpreted as a diminished confidence in the vaccines' overall safety and efficacy. It's crucial to note, however, that the proposal doesn't impact the vaccines' insurance coverage.
A day-long meeting of the advisory committee, characterized by some as disorganized, also saw the panel vote to urge the CDC to implement improved informed consent procedures. This includes a requirement to inform patients about at least six significant risks and uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 vaccines.
The next step rests with the CDC, currently headed by Jim O'Neill, Kennedy's second-in-command. The CDC's approval is necessary for these recommendations to become official policy. This development promises to spark further debate and scrutiny of the nation's COVID-19 vaccination strategy.
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Originally published at: https://www.axios.com/2025/09/19/covid-vaccine-vote-cdc-recommendations
