US Health Officials Drop COVID Vaccines From Recommended List for Pregnant Women and Children

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Five years since the onset of the initial severe cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., federal health authorities have decided to remove the coronavirus vaccine from the suggested vaccination schedule for expectant mothers and youngsters under five years old.

Sharing details about the relocation in a video posted online Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., standing alongside the heads of the FDA and National Institutes of Health, stated that the decision was based on "sound science."

"Last year, the Biden administration encouraged healthy children to receive an additional COVID vaccine dose even though there was no clinical evidence supporting this repeated booster approach for kids," Kennedy stated.

"There’s no proof that healthy children require this now, and most nations have ceased recommending it for kids," stated FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary.

Expectant mothers and children remain eligible for theCOVID-19 vaccination; however, it does not appear on the federally recommended vaccination schedule.

As other countries have removed the COVID vaccine from their recommended lists for certain groups, this change implies that U.S. insurance providers will no longer be obligated to cover the cost of these doses.

It’s also worrying some local pediatricians, who say the vaccine was an important tool in keeping the disease at bay.

“I’m a bit puzzled by this recommendation,” said pediatrician Dr. George Bugg Jr.

Bugg stated that although children have a lesser chance of catching the virus, should they contract it, their more susceptible family members might face greater consequences.

As a grandfather, since my immune system might weaken with advancing years, getting my grandson vaccinated helps safeguard me," he stated. "Therefore, I am quite worried that the most susceptible individuals, particularly the elderly, could also be affected by this.