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A newly appointed vaccine panel, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has weakened COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in the US. The panel now advises COVID-19 vaccines for those 6 months and older based on individual consultations with healthcare providers, rather than universal recommendation. This shift follows Kennedy's appointment of critics of mRNA vaccines and has sparked concern about reduced vaccine access and uptake. While some argue this allows for personalized care, others warn of potential barriers to vaccination and increased disease spread. Major health insurers, however, will continue coverage for all ACIP-recommended vaccines. The CDC must still adopt the panel's recommendations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.