CDC Stops Recommending COVID-19 Shots For All

October 17, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially stopped recommending COVID-19 vaccines for all Americans, adopting recommendations from a new advisory group appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This represents a significant shift from previous guidance that recommended annual COVID-19 boosters for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Who is affected

All Americans who previously received CDC recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines
Healthcare providers who follow CDC guidelines
Children whose families qualify for the Vaccines for Children program
Seniors who are advised to consult with medical professionals
Pregnant women and others at higher risk of severe illness

What action is being taken

The CDC is implementing a policy where Americans make their own COVID-19 vaccination decisions
The government's Vaccines for Children program is continuing to ship COVID-19 vaccine doses at no cost to qualifying families
Major medical societies are maintaining their recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination for higher-risk groups
Healthcare providers are being encouraged to discuss risks and benefits with patients

Why it matters

This represents a fundamental shift in public health guidance on COVID-19 vaccines
The change alters the previous universal recommendation approach to an individual choice model
It reflects the influence of Kennedy, who has questioned vaccine safety
Medical societies and the new CDC guidance differ on recommendations for vulnerable groups
The policy affects how healthcare providers discuss vaccines with patients

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint