Ally of RFK Jr. says HHS will end routine Covid shots for some groups

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to make a groundbreaking announcement regarding Covid vaccines for children and pregnant individuals. A close ally of Kennedy revealed that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will no longer recommend Covid vaccines for these specific populations. This news was shared during the launch event of the MAHA Institute, a new think tank affiliated with the Make America Healthy Again movement.

Executive Director Leland Lehrman made the announcement to attendees, stating that HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will cease recommending routine Covid shots for children and pregnant women. The room erupted in applause at this news, indicating a positive response to the decision. However, the method through which Kennedy plans to implement this change remains unclear, as federal health agencies typically rely on independent advisory bodies for vaccine recommendations.

Dorit Reiss, a law professor at UC Law San Francisco, expressed concerns about the potential impact of overturning the recommendation, noting that it could lead to insurance companies no longer covering the cost of these vaccines. Despite Kennedy’s previous assurances during his confirmation hearings that he would not restrict access to vaccines, withdrawing the recommendation could indirectly limit access by making individuals pay for Covid shots out of pocket.

Experts have been engaged in debates regarding the efficacy of Covid vaccines for different populations, with a key committee likely to recommend the shots only for those at highest risk. Kennedy and his supporters have been advocating for a more limited vaccine recommendation, and this announcement aligns with their stance. The decision to halt the recommendation for pregnant individuals is particularly significant, given their higher risk of Covid complications.

The MAHA Institute, established by Kennedy’s allies, aims to leverage the Kennedy connection to influence federal lawmaking. The institute’s inaugural event featured various speakers with controversial views, including advocates of raw milk, opponents of vaccine mandates, and psychiatrists advocating for reduced use of mental health drugs. This move is expected to be well-received by Kennedy’s base, which includes anti-vaccine advocates and proponents of “medical freedom.”

Mary Holland, president of Children’s Health Defense, a group founded by Kennedy, expressed excitement about the announcement, highlighting the anticipation within the community. The decision to stop recommending Covid vaccines for children and pregnant individuals marks a significant shift in vaccine policy and is likely to spark further discussions and debates within the healthcare community. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health

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