CDC Advisers Vote To Change Guidance For Getting COVID Vaccine

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisers voted on Friday (September 19) to recommend that individuals seeking a COVID-19 vaccine must first consult with a healthcare provider. This process, known as shared clinical decision-making, applies to all individuals aged six months and older, with a particular emphasis on those at increased risk for severe COVID-19. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made this decision to ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of vaccination based on their personal health conditions.

The recommendation comes amid significant changes in US vaccine policy. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already limited vaccine approval to adults 65 and older and younger individuals at higher risk of severe COVID-19. The ACIP's decision may lead to a patchwork of vaccine access across different states, as some states closely follow the committee's recommendations.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed several critics of mRNA Covid shots to the panel, which has led to confusion and potential hurdles for vaccine access. Public health experts have expressed concerns that the new guidance could make it more difficult for healthy adults and children, especially in rural areas, to access vaccines.

The recommendation is not yet final and awaits approval from Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill. The decision has sparked debate among healthcare professionals, with some arguing that shared decision-making could create barriers to vaccine access, while others believe it is necessary for informed patient choices.

The vote also has implications for vaccine coverage, as CNN reports that all immunizations recommended by ACIP as of September 1 will be covered by insurance plans, including the updated Covid-19 and influenza vaccines. This coverage will be in place through the end of 2026.