Key facts
- Trump administration officials are withholding Covid-19 vaccines for children in at least 11 states and one US territory.
- The decision restricts access through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
- Over half of US children receive vaccines through VFC.
- Experts warn the move could set a precedent for restricting other immunizations.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that access to vaccines has been preserved.
The Trump administration is withholding Covid-19 vaccines for children in at least 11 states and one US territory, with officials not indicating when or if the shots will become available. This action restricts access through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which serves over half of US children.
Experts, including former CDC official Daniel Jernigan, expressed concern that these actions could set a precedent for restricting other essential immunizations. Jernigan stated that officials are "using every means possible to try and make it harder to get vaccinated" and that this could be a way of "testing the waters" on halting other vaccines in the VFC program.
Demetre Daskalakis, former director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, noted that "Not allowing universal ordering states to order vaccine is limiting access." The VFC program is crucial for children who are Alaska Native or American Indian, under- or uninsured, or enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid. Universal VFC states purchase vaccines for all children regardless of insurance status.
HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard confirmed that Covid vaccines are not currently available through VFC, but stated that "additional information will be available soon" regarding procurement decisions. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS secretary, has claimed that "We have not taken vaccines away from anyone. We have preserved access."