The Daily R.F.K. Jr. Sends a Message on Vaccines
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May 28, 2025 
Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter at The New York Times, discusses a recent controversial decision by the Trump administration regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women. She delves into how this abrupt change in guidelines could affect public health and vaccine accessibility. The conversation touches on the implications for vulnerable populations, the safety of vaccines for young children, and the concerns raised by medical experts regarding the rationale behind these shifts. It's a critical examination of the intersection of health policy and public trust.
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Abrupt Vaccine Guideline Change
- The Trump administration abruptly ended the government recommendation for COVID vaccines in two key groups: healthy children and pregnant women.
- This move bypassed traditional vaccine guidance systems, causing confusion among experts and the public.
CDC's Previous Universal Vaccine Guidance
- The CDC formerly recommended COVID vaccines for everyone six months and older, including children and pregnant women.
- The change represents the biggest shift in government vaccine guidelines since availability began.
Impact of Removing CDC Recommendation
- Removal from CDC recommendation typically leads to insurance companies not covering the vaccine, limiting access, especially for low-income families.
- This change practically reduces availability and insurance coverage for the vaccine in affected groups.