Kennedy's Vaccine Panel Votes to further Limit Access to Covid Shots [View all]

The federal vaccine committee appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted unanimously on Friday to further limit access to Covid vaccines, recommending that adults 65 and older receive the shots only after discussing the potential benefits and risks with a health care provider.

The panel also said that everyone from 6 months to 64 years old could get the vaccine after consulting with a provider. But it was unclear whether that contradicted the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of the shots only for adults over 65 and younger people with certain health conditions.

Together, the decisions raise questions about whether Americans can continue to walk into their neighborhood pharmacies for routine vaccinations or whether in some states they will first need a doctor’s permission.

The votes came on the second meeting day of a committee that was hurriedly assembled by Mr. Kennedy. Most of the panelists are first-time members, and their inexperience seemed to contribute to the confusion that marred both days of the meeting. About half of the committee members were appointed to the panel earlier this week.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/19/health/cdc-vaccines-mmrv-hepatitis-b.html