Then U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., made the landmark declaration. He announced significant shifts for the future of Covid-19 vaccinations in the United States. Except, as his most recent update on Twitter/X would suggest, it’s not just Kennedy—and the Biden administration has lifted many vaccine mandates. This decision is a major sea change in policy. He underscored that access will be limited to people at the highest risk. This represents a major shift in the federal government’s stance on Covid-19 vaccinations.
Kennedy explained that none of the patients were blocked from getting the vaccines, as long as they speak to their health care providers in advance. This new framework bridges the gap between that vision and reality, mirroring what he called the American people’s craving for “science, safety, and common sense.”
This year, for the first time this fall and winter, the U.S. government is changing the game. For the first time, they have not approved universal Covid vaccinations. The move comes as Kennedy’s agency has recently slashed $500 million in funding for flu and Covid vaccines. This implementation reflects a disturbing trend from the agency. They claim that the risks associated with Covid vaccines may exceed their benefits.
In addition to the new schedule, Kennedy announced approvals for four additional vaccines. The Moderna vaccine is now authorized for individuals older than six months, the Pfizer vaccine for those over five years, and the Novavax shot for individuals aged 12 and older.
Kennedy’s history as a founder of an anti-vaccine group makes his current stance more complicated. For years he has cast doubts on the proven benefits of vaccines and raised alarms over their safety. Under Vinay Prasad, the administration’s public-health–oriented vaccine regulator, the tone has changed. According to whistleblowers, he has overruled career scientists to limit emerging Covid vaccine approvals.
“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three.” – Robert F Kennedy Jr
Those announcements have led to conflicting responses. On one side from public health advocates, and on the other side from parents. Fatima Khan criticized the current healthcare system, stating, “Our healthcare system is now solidly anti-children and anti-science.” This sentiment is reminiscent of current conversations about vaccine safety and public health policies.