Policy Shift and Implications
The , under the Trump administration, announces a major policy change, no longer routinely approving annual COVID-19 shots for healthy younger adults and children, focusing on adults 65 and older and those with health issues.
This shift requires extensive studies for vaccine updates for healthier individuals, potentially affecting the availability and insurability of vaccines for this group.
Criticisms and Concerns
Critics, including Dr. Paul Offit, raise concerns about the practicality and fairness of the new policy, questioning who determines high-risk status and fearing reduced vaccine access.
The FDA's new framework has been criticized for preempting the CDC's advisory panel role, with some experts questioning the necessity and efficacy of annual vaccinations for all groups.