From Ars Technica · · 2m
RFK Jr.'s CDC blocks COVID shots for millions of US kids
The health department under anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has delayed distributing COVID-19 vaccines to children through federal programs, affecting over half of US children.
In brief
The health department under anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has delayed distributing COVID-19 vaccines to children through federal programs, affecting over half of US children. The CDC under Kennedy's leadership has unexpectedly halted COVID-19 vaccine distribution to children through the main federal…
Half of US kids face vaccine uncertainty
As fall vaccination season begins, the CDC has unexpectedly delayed distributing COVID-19 shots through the Vaccine for Children program, which serves 52 percent of US children at no cost.
Twelve states hit by vaccine delays
At least 11 states and one US territory buy all children's vaccines through the federal program. The delay blocks their ability to vaccinate all children regardless of insurance status.
“The delay in VFC means delays in these states' ability to get vaccine for all children.”
Kennedy's long history with vaccines
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now leading the health department, has falsely called COVID vaccines the deadliest ever made and tried to blame them for child deaths without evidence.
“the deadliest vaccine[s] ever made”
Kennedy pushed unproven COVID treatments
In 2021, Kennedy petitioned the FDA to revoke COVID vaccine authorization and promote ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine instead, both found ineffective and potentially risky in clinical trials.
A judge reversed Kennedy's vaccine changes
A federal judge in March reversed many of Kennedy's changes to vaccine guidance. Current CDC recommendations allow healthy children 6 months to 17 years to get COVID shots through shared decision-making.
Medical groups urge infant vaccination
The American Academy of Pediatrics and five other major medical organizations recommend all infants 6 to 23 months get vaccinated. Infants had higher hospitalization rates than adults ages 50 to 64 last season.
“The youngest children remain at high risk for severe disease.”
Most hospitalized kids were previously healthy
Only 42 percent of children ages 6 to 23 months hospitalized with COVID-19 from October 2022 to April 2024 had underlying conditions, showing the virus affects healthy children too.
HHS won't explain the vaccine delay
The health department told Ars Technica it has not finalized COVID vaccine procurement decisions but refused to explain why there is a delay, suggesting officials are questioning whether children should get the shot.
What to remember
The CDC under Kennedy's leadership has unexpectedly halted COVID-19 vaccine distribution to children through the main federal program that serves uninsured and low-income kids, breaking from established practice.
