A CDC official overseeing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations resigned following conflicting federal messaging on vaccine eligibility. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially removed COVID vaccines from the immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, then the CDC updated the schedule allowing all children access under a shared decision-making model with doctors. This created confusion, prompting criticism from medical organizations like the AAP and ACOG who emphasized the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, particularly for pregnant women. The changes were made without input from the CDC's advisory panel, raising concerns about transparency and evidence-based decision-making.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.