Key facts
- Trump administration officials are withholding Covid-19 vaccines for children in at least 11 states and one US territory.
- Access to the vaccines is restricted through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
- Over 52% of US children are eligible for vaccines through the VFC program.
- Former CDC official Demetre Daskalakis stated that "Not allowing universal ordering states to order vaccine is limiting access."
- HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard confirmed that Covid vaccines are not currently available through VFC.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that "We have not taken vaccines away from anyone. We have preserved access."
Trump administration officials are withholding seasonal Covid-19 vaccines for children in at least 11 states and one US territory, with no clear timeline for 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 Demetre Daskalakis, expressed concern that these actions could set a precedent for restricting other essential immunizations. Daskalakis noted that "Not allowing universal ordering states to order vaccine is limiting access." The VFC program is crucial for children who are uninsured, underinsured, 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."