US Vaccine Advisory Panel No Longer Recommends COVID-19 Vaccines for All Adults

Published Time: 09-20-2025, 12:00 EDT

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for all adults in the United States. This decision marks a significant shift in federal vaccine guidance, which had endorsed annual COVID-19 vaccinations for most Americans since the onset of the pandemic. The move also raises questions about vaccine policy amid ongoing debate over other routine immunizations.

Changes in COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Over two days of deliberations, ACIP decided to abandon its broad recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine, including for high-risk populations such as adults aged 65 and older. Instead, the committee advised that individuals may make their own decision about vaccination after consulting a medical professional.

The committee also narrowly voted against advocating prescriptions for the vaccine, signaling a move toward more individualized healthcare decisions. This comes months after federal guidance stopped recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy pregnant women and children.

Dr. Robert Malone, an ally of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., argued during the meeting that evidence showing the vaccine prevents serious illness is lacking. However, other experts, including Dr. Cody Meissner, a former FDA vaccines panel member, pointed to data suggesting the vaccine does provide protection against infection.

Broader Vaccine Policy Updates

ACIP also discussed updates to the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children. Initially, the panel voted against recommending the combined MMRV shot for children under four. By Friday, however, they endorsed separate jabs: a combined MMR vaccine and a standalone varicella vaccine.

The American Medical Association (AMA) expressed concern that the updated MMRV recommendations could leave parents confused about the proper vaccination schedule for their children.

Additionally, ACIP delayed a vote on whether newborns whose mothers test negative for hepatitis B during pregnancy should automatically receive the hepatitis B vaccine. Despite longstanding CDC guidance recommending the birth dose since 1991, the panel has expressed skepticism about the necessity of vaccinating newborns, even though public health data show a significant reduction in hepatitis B cases among young people due to the vaccine.

Leadership Changes at the CDC

Since taking office in January, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted vaccine skeptic, has overhauled the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel. In June, he dismissed all 17 members and handpicked their successors, sparking widespread criticism from the medical community.

In late August, Kennedy fired CDC chief Susan Monarez, leading to multiple senior staff resignations. Dr. Monarez later testified to the Senate that she was dismissed for refusing to approve changes to vaccine policy that disregarded scientific evidence. Kennedy has defended his decisions, citing trust issues and claiming he does not plan to remove vaccines from the market.

Expert and Public Reactions

Kennedy’s approach has prompted scrutiny from health experts who emphasize that the safety and efficacy of vaccines remain supported by extensive research. Critics argue that changes to ACIP guidance, particularly regarding COVID-19 and hepatitis B, could create confusion among healthcare providers and the public.

Despite these concerns, the CDC continues to maintain that vaccines are a key tool in preventing serious illness and controlling infectious diseases. The recent policy changes reflect the agency’s evolving stance under new leadership and highlight the ongoing debate about vaccine recommendations and public health strategy.