In light of RFK Jr.'s position, it's worth considering why some healthy kids might still necessitate vaccination against COVID-19.
U.S. health officials have faced surprising controversy this week following the announcement from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for "healthy children and pregnant people."
The declaration was made in a video posted on social media, and featured appearances from Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, and Kennedy himself. Public health experts have expressed surprise and concern about the way the decision was announced.
Dr. Gregory Poland, a vaccinologist and president of the Atria Research Institute, told our website, "The risks of COVID are real for children, but for an otherwise healthy child, the bad outcomes are thankfully on the low side. However, it's important to remember that the risks of the vaccine are even lower still."
While those with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of contracting severe COVID, anyone, regardless of health status, can be hospitalized and experience severe illness or death if they contract the virus. Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told our website that over 150 children died from COVID in 2021, with 40% of those children reportedly having no underlying health issues.
Offit noted that usually, it's the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) that determines if there is a benefit to a yearly vaccine and who should receive it. However, this time, the decision was made "without any input from the public, without any input from experts."
There is also a risk of long-term side effects in otherwise healthy children, according to experts. A CDC study published in February found that more than 1 million U.S. children may have suffered from long COVID at some point in 2023 alone. While the vaccine can reduce this risk, it's also important to consider the community benefit of vaccination, as it can protect vulnerable members of the community from infection.
Experts also question the specifics of Kennedy's announcement, as it is unclear if the CDC will no longer recommend COVID vaccines to healthy children who have previously been vaccinated or if the announcement applies to all children regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, there is confusion regarding what constitutes a "healthy" child.
Kennedy's announcement has sparked debate and controversy, as he has been a vocal critic of vaccines in the past. Public health experts generally support vaccine use based on scientific evidence and the broad consensus among health organizations. Overall, the recommendation for COVID-19 vaccines can be found in the interim clinical considerations provided by health authorities such as the CDC, which typically outline the use of COVID-19 vaccines in various populations, including healthy children and pregnant people.
- The controversy surrounding U.S. health officials escalated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s video announcement, in which he stated that the CDC would no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant people.
- Public health experts have expressed concern about the manner in which this decision was announced, as it bypassed the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices and lacked input from experts.
- Dr. Gregory Poland, a vaccinologist, stated that while COVID poses risks for children, the risks of the vaccine are even lower, suggesting that it's crucial to consider the vaccine's benefits and community protection.
- Dr. Paul Offit, another public health figure, noted that over 150 children died from COVID in 2021, with 40% having no underlying health issues, underscoring the importance of vaccine protection.
- Experts question the specifics of Kennedy's announcement, with uncertainty about whether it applies to vaccinated children or all children, regardless of vaccination status.
- The announcement has sparked debate, as Kennedy has been a vocal critic of vaccines in the past, and public health experts generally advocate for vaccines based on scientific evidence and the consensus among health organizations.
