A panel of federal vaccine advisers on Friday voted to withdraw its universal recommendation for annual COVID-19 vaccinations for all Americans aged 6 months and older, opting instead to endorse individual-based decision-making in consultation with healthcare providers.
In a unanimous vote, the advisory committee agreed that COVID-19 vaccines should now be offered based on personal choice, rather than mandated as a public health recommendation. The decision marks a significant shift in federal guidance that had, since the pandemic’s onset, emphasized broad immunization as a cornerstone of national COVID-19 response efforts.
Despite the policy change, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed to ABC News that federal vaccine programs will continue to align with CDC policies. Additionally, several major insurers have said they will maintain full coverage for COVID-19 vaccines through at least 2026, regardless of the panel’s recommendation.
The panel also voted against requiring prescriptions for COVID-19 shots, citing concerns that such a move would create unnecessary barriers to access.
In a separate action, committee members approved a measure directing the CDC to develop clear risk disclosure materials about COVID-19 vaccines. These materials, which state health agencies may choose to distribute, would outline at least six known risks associated with vaccination to help patients make informed decisions.
The vote follows recent actions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which limited its vaccine approvals to higher-risk groups, including adults over 65 and individuals with underlying medical conditions. While the FDA functions as a regulatory agency, the CDC serves as the nation’s primary source for public health recommendations.
Health officials and analysts are now assessing the broader implications of the change. Experts note that shifting from a “recommended” status to a voluntary model could undermine public trust and weaken the national immunization framework, particularly in lower-risk populations where vaccine uptake has already declined.
The language change also places responsibility on individual states to determine whether and how to implement new guidance, potentially creating a patchwork of access and messaging across the country.
The move was not without political undertones. The panel, whose members were selected by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reportedly expressed varying degrees of skepticism about the vaccine’s benefit. However, most ultimately supported continued access for those who choose to receive it, preferably following a discussion with a healthcare provider—though such consultation is not mandatory.
If adopted by the CDC’s acting director, the vote would formalize the end of the universal COVID-19 vaccination recommendation, though vaccines will remain available to all individuals aged 6 months and older, subject to state regulations and individual healthcare decisions.
