Consider This from NPR: The CDC Changed Its COVID Vaccine Guidance. What Does That Mean for You?

Release Date: May 29, 2025

In this episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Ari Shapiro delves into the recent changes in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 vaccine guidance. The federal government has updated its recommendations, removing the COVID-19 vaccine from the immunization schedules for healthy children and pregnant women. This significant policy shift has sparked discussions among healthcare professionals and the public about its implications.

New CDC Guidelines and Government Announcement

The episode begins with the announcement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). In a brief video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kennedy stated:

“As of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule.”
(00:00)

This declaration follows changes in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approach to COVID-19 vaccinations, prioritizing immunizations for individuals at the highest risk of severe complications.

Expert Insight: Dr. Peter J. Hotez’s Reaction

To understand the ramifications of these new guidelines, Ari Shapiro interviews Dr. Peter J. Hotez, a renowned vaccine scientist and the dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Hotez expresses his shock and disappointment regarding the CDC’s decision:

“We know how important COVID vaccinations were both for pregnant women and for children... it makes no sense.”
(02:38)

Dr. Hotez highlights the severe impact COVID-19 had on pregnant women between 2020 and 2023, noting higher rates of severe illness and hospitalizations. He cites data indicating that vaccination led to a 90-94% reduction in hospitalization rates for vaccinated pregnant women, and it also benefited newborn infants by lowering their hospitalization rates.

Reevaluation of Vaccine Necessity for Children

The episode addresses the FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary’s statement that most countries have ceased recommending COVID-19 vaccines for children. Dr. Hotez challenges this stance:

“...the current leadership of the FDA looks at Covid vaccines... only looking at case fatality rates or infection mortality rates... they missed the ball on the impact of vaccinating children for long Covid.”
(03:58)

He emphasizes that studies have shown significant benefits of vaccinating children and adolescents in preventing long COVID, especially during the Delta and Omicron waves of the pandemic.

Vaccine Availability and Insurance Coverage Concerns

A critical concern raised is the availability of vaccines for those who still wish to receive them despite the updated guidelines. Dr. Hotez outlines the uncertainty surrounding insurance coverage:

“We’re in kind of an unknown territory now... What does it mean that the FDA has skirted all of that...?”
(05:01)

He explains that typically, vaccine recommendations and insurance coverage decisions involve collaboration between the FDA, CDC, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). However, the unilateral decision by HHS bypasses these established processes, leaving questions about whether pharmacies will continue to offer vaccines to pregnant women and children, and whether insurers will cover the costs.

Dr. Hotez also points out the significant cost of the vaccines if not covered by insurance, noting:

“At the last look it was around $130 a dose. So that, that is a significant expense for a lot of people.”
(06:55)

Recommendations for the Public

Despite the policy changes, Dr. Hotez advises individuals who wish to remain protected against COVID-19 to consider vaccination, especially if they have vulnerable family members:

“If for my daughter or loved one who was pregnant... I would strongly suggest that they get vaccinated to protect themselves and soon-to-be newborn infant... If you're concerned about long Covid, I would also recommend keeping up with annual immunizations.”
(07:20)

He also emphasizes the importance of vaccination for those living with elderly or immunocompromised individuals to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.

Conclusion

The episode underscores the complexity and potential risks associated with the CDC’s updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance. While the federal government aims to prioritize high-risk populations, experts like Dr. Hotez highlight the benefits of broader vaccination, including the prevention of long COVID and protection of vulnerable family members. The uncertainty surrounding vaccine availability and insurance coverage further complicates the public’s ability to make informed health decisions.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and consult healthcare professionals when considering their options regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.

Notable Quotes:

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:
  “As of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule.”
  (00:00)

• Dr. Peter J. Hotez:
  “We know how important COVID vaccinations were both for pregnant women and for children... it makes no sense.”
  (02:38)

• Dr. Peter J. Hotez:
  “...the current leadership of the FDA looks at Covid vaccines... only looking at case fatality rates or infection mortality rates... they missed the ball on the impact of vaccinating children for long Covid.”
  (03:58)

• Dr. Peter J. Hotez:
  “We’re in kind of an unknown territory now... What does it mean that the FDA has skirted all of that...?”
  (05:01)

• Dr. Peter J. Hotez:
  “If for my daughter or loved one who was pregnant... I would strongly suggest that they get vaccinated to protect themselves and soon-to-be newborn infant... If you're concerned about long Covid, I would also recommend keeping up with annual immunizations.”
  (07:20)

Produced by: Kai McNamee
Edited by: Tinbit Ermias
Audio Engineering Support: Tiffany Vera Castro
Executive Producer: Sami Yenigun