Summary
In the U.S., access to COVID-19 vaccines is changing due to new government guidelines, which limit who can receive the vaccine. These changes differ from previous policies where vaccines were widely available to most people. Other vaccines, like those for the flu and RSV, have specific guidelines for who should get them.
Key Facts
- COVID-19 vaccines now have stricter guidelines, limiting access for healthy children and adults.
- Previously, anyone aged 6 months or older could get the COVID-19 vaccine; now only those at high risk or aged 65 and older are prioritized.
- The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will make decisions about COVID vaccine availability this fall.
- The flu vaccine is available to everyone aged 6 months and older.
- The RSV vaccine is for adults 75 or older, and those aged 50 to 74 who are at risk, as well as pregnant individuals in their third trimester during certain months.
- New vaccine recommendations have been introduced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Disagreements within government agencies have led to changes in CDC leadership and advisory panels.
- There is conflicting messaging within the administration about vaccine eligibility, especially for pregnant individuals.
