US vaccine panel no longer recommends Covid-19 jab to adults

September 19, 2025

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Acip) has voted to stop recommending annual COVID-19 vaccinations for all adults, shifting to a policy where individuals can decide after consulting with medical professionals. Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Who is affected

The general U.S. population, particularly adults who previously received routine COVID-19 vaccination recommendations
High-risk populations, including people over 65
Children and pregnant women
Parents making vaccination decisions for their children
Newborns whose mothers test negative for hepatitis B
The medical community and healthcare providers who follow CDC guidance

What action is being taken

The Acip is modifying its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations to allow individuals to make their own decisions after consulting medical professionals
The committee is abandoning broad support for recommending the COVID-19 vaccine, including for high-risk populations
The panel is endorsing separate vaccines for MMR and varicella rather than the combined MMRV shot for young children
Health Secretary Kennedy is overhauling the CDC, including replacing committee members and firing senior staff
Medical organizations are criticizing the changes to vaccination policies

Why it matters

The changes reverse years of established vaccination recommendations and public health guidance
The shift in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations could impact vaccination rates and public health protection
Changes to childhood vaccines like MMRV may cause confusion among parents
The recommendations contradict what many scientists and medical experts consider established science on vaccine efficacy
The modifications represent a significant shift in public health policy under Kennedy's leadership
The changes to hepatitis B recommendations could affect a vaccination program credited with reducing cases among young people since 1991

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC