US Panel Ends Universal COVID-19 Jab Recommendation for Adults
A US vaccine advisory committee has voted to stop recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for all adults, a big change from their annual guidance since the pandemic. The decision comes as the federal government’s vaccination policies are under fire.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) narrowly did not recommend the COVID-19 vaccine, meaning no broad public guidance. During a 2 day meeting the committee also revised the guidance on the MMRV vaccine and postponed a vote on the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who is a vaccine skeptic replaced all 17 members of the committee in June and the medical community is concerned about the independence of the panel.
On Friday September 19, 2025 ACIP discussed the COVID-19 vaccine which had been recommended like the annual flu shot. They voted to remove broad recommendations including for high risk groups like adults 65 and over. Instead individuals will have to consult with their healthcare provider to make their own decision.
Earlier this year federal guidance also stopped recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy pregnant women and children.
During Friday’s discussion Dr. Robert Malone a Kennedy ally said the vaccine has no proven ability to prevent serious illness. Dr. Cody Meissner formerly of the FDA’s vaccine panel said the data clearly shows the vaccine prevents illness.
The committee also revisited the MMRV vaccine and initially voted against a combined shot for children under 4. On Friday they endorsed 2 separate vaccines: one for measles, mumps and rubella and another for varicella leaving some parents confused according to the American Medical Association.
ACIP also delayed a decision on whether newborns of hepatitis B negative mothers should get the vaccine despite the CDC’s longstanding recommendation. Critics note the hepatitis B vaccine recommended at birth since 1991 has greatly reduced infections in children and teens.
Kennedy’s approach to vaccines has been under scrutiny since he took office in January. He fired the CDC’s chief Susan Monarez in August after a dispute over vaccine policy. Monarez later testified to the Senate she was fired for refusing to approve changes “regardless of the science”.
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US Panel Ends Universal COVID-19 Jab Recommendation for Adults