US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has once again found himself at the centre of a public health storm, this time after announcing that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women.
The move, delivered in a brief 58-second video on social media, has left many health experts scratching their heads—and, in some cases, deeply concerned.
Let’s unpack what’s happened, what it means for Australians, and why the medical community is so alarmed.
A sudden shift—without the science
Kennedy’s announcement claimed that COVID-19 shots have been removed from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women.
Notably, no CDC officials appeared in the video, and the agency quickly distanced itself from the statement, referring all questions back to Kennedy and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
At the time of writing, HHS had not provided any further details or clarification.
This abrupt change has left many in the medical field baffled. Dr Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, didn’t mince words: ‘There’s no new data or information, just them flying by the seat of their pants.’
For context, US health officials have been recommending annual COVID-19 boosters for everyone aged six months and older, based on the advice of infectious disease experts.
The idea of narrowing recommendations to focus on older or high-risk groups has been discussed as the pandemic has waned, but no official change had been made—until now.
Bypassing the usual process
What’s particularly troubling to many experts is the way this decision was made.
Traditionally, changes to vaccine recommendations are made after thorough review by scientific advisory panels, often in public meetings where evidence is weighed and debated.
This process ensures transparency and trust in public health decisions.
Kennedy, a long-time vaccine sceptic before his appointment as health secretary, appears to have sidestepped this process entirely.
‘It’s a dangerous precedent,’ Osterholm warned. ‘If you can start doing that with this vaccine, you can start doing that with any vaccine you want—including mumps-measles-rubella.’
This raises a host of questions: Will health insurers continue to cover COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women?
Will it become harder for those who want the vaccine to access it? And what message does this send about the importance of vaccination more broadly?
Why vaccinate healthy children and pregnant women?
Some may wonder: if children and pregnant women are generally at lower risk, why vaccinate them at all?
The answer, according to Dr Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, is simple: ‘The reason we give vaccines to healthy people is to keep them safe.’
While it’s true that the majority of COVID-19 deaths in the US have been among seniors, children have not been immune.
CDC data shows that more than 1,300 children have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
And for pregnant women, the risks are even more pronounced. During the height of the pandemic, deaths among pregnant women or those who had recently given birth soared to their highest level in 50 years.
COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including major disability and devastating consequences for families.
Vaccination during pregnancy is also a way to pass immunity to newborns, who are too young to be vaccinated themselves and are particularly vulnerable to infections.
A confusing message at a critical time
The timing of Kennedy’s announcement is especially confusing.
Just last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that routine COVID-19 vaccine approvals would be limited to seniors and younger people with underlying medical risks, pending new research for healthy adults and children.
A CDC advisory panel is set to meet in June to review the latest evidence and make recommendations for the upcoming autumn booster campaign.
By jumping the gun, Kennedy has not only muddied the waters but also potentially undermined public trust in the vaccine approval process.
Dr Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Paediatrics put it bluntly: ‘To say that (pregnant women and children) are not at any risk is simply incorrect.’
Dr Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, added: ‘The science has not changed. It is very clear that COVID infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability, and it can cause devastating consequences for families.’
Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: it’s common sense and it’s good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS’s promise to Make America Healthy Again. pic.twitter.com/Ytch2afCLP
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) May 27, 2025
Video Credit: @SecKennedy / X
What does this Mean for Australians?
While this announcement comes from the US, it’s worth noting that Australia’s health authorities continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for children and pregnant women, based on robust local and international evidence.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regularly reviews the latest data and updates its advice accordingly.
If you’re unsure about the best course of action for yourself or your family, it’s always wise to consult your GP or a trusted healthcare professional.
Your turn: What do you think?
As public health policies continue to evolve in response to emerging data and shifting global perspectives, it’s natural for updates like these to prompt reflection and discussion.
While this development originates from the United States, the broader conversation about vaccine guidance, scientific review, and public trust remains relevant across different countries and communities.
What are your thoughts on how vaccine policies should be reviewed and communicated to the public? Do you believe that health authorities should wait for panel recommendations before making major announcements, or is there room for more immediate action in certain cases? Share your comments below and join the conversation.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s health is unique, so if you have any concerns or questions about your health, it’s always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. We encourage you to seek expert guidance before making any medical decisions.
Also read: The MMR vaccine doesn’t contain ‘aborted fetus debris’, as RFK Jr has claimed. Here’s the science
There is not much to recommend any of Trump’s cabinet choices except their fealty to him. Knowledge, qualifications, experience all irrelevant in modern America!
I had this year’s flu and Covid shots as soon as they were available. My degree is in science. Kennedys isn’t.