New Trump vaccine policy limits access to COVID shots

The Trump administration's new COVID-19 vaccine policy restricts approvals to seniors and high-risk individuals, as outlined by the FDA in the New England Journal of Medicine. The agency emphasized the need for thorough studies before granting access to vaccines for healthier populations. Dr. Vinay Prasad described this shift as a “reasonable compromise,” allowing continued vaccinations for vulnerable groups while seeking more data. Experts, including Dr.

Paul Offit, raised concerns about how pharmacists will determine high-risk status and the potential for reduced vaccine availability. The American Academy of Pediatrics highlighted that limiting vaccine access could significantly impact families wishing to protect their children. Provisional data indicates that over 47,000 Americans died from COVID-related causes last year, underscoring the importance of vaccine accessibility. This policy change follows a series of actions by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

, who has scrutinized COVID vaccine use. As the FDA continues to navigate vaccine approvals, the need for effective vaccination strategies remains critical.