Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested it may be “better” if fewer children receive the flu vaccine. His comments came during an interview with CBS News, following the Trump administration’s announcement of significant changes to childhood vaccine recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidelines, recommending vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus, meningococcal disease, flu, and COVID-19 only for children at high risk of severe illness or after consultations between doctors and parents.
Previously, the CDC advised that all individuals aged six months and older receive the annual flu vaccine. In the interview with CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes, Kennedy emphasized that the changes do not prevent anyone from accessing the vaccine. “If you want to get the vaccine, you can get it. It’s gonna be fully covered by insurance, just like it was before,” he stated.
Changes to Vaccination Protocol
Kennedy acknowledged that the new protocol introduces an additional step for parents seeking the flu vaccine for their children. Instead of being readily available at pharmacies, the vaccine now requires prior consultation with a physician. “You have to, yeah, you need to do shared decision making with your physician, which is how it ought to be,” Kennedy explained.
When questioned by Cordes if this would lead to fewer children receiving the flu vaccine, he responded, “Well, that may be, and maybe that’s a better thing.” Cordes pressed him on the implications of this statement, citing data that approximately 280 to 290 children died from the flu last year. She raised concerns about whether fewer vaccinations could lead to increased fatalities among children.
Kennedy cited research from the Cochrane Collaboration, a U.K.-based health organization known for its rigorous reviews, claiming that their meta-analysis found “no evidence that the flu vaccine prevents serious disease or that it prevents hospitalizations or death in children.” However, this perspective stands in contrast to the broader medical community’s consensus. The CDC has previously highlighted studies demonstrating that the flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalizations among children.
Cordes pointed out that CDC data indicates that about 90% of children who died from the flu in 2024 were unvaccinated. Kennedy reiterated his position, stating, “There is no scientific evidence that the flu vaccine prevents serious illness, hospitalizations, or death in children.”
Public Health Implications
The ongoing debate regarding vaccine efficacy and recommendations underscores a critical conversation about public health and childhood immunizations. The changes announced by the CDC reflect a shift towards a more individualized approach to vaccination, emphasizing doctor-patient discussions. Critics argue that such a shift may inadvertently lead to lower vaccination rates and potentially expose children to preventable diseases.
More insights from this interview will be featured on “CBS Evening News,” providing further context on Kennedy’s views and the implications of the new vaccine guidelines. As parents navigate these changes, the importance of consulting healthcare providers remains paramount in making informed decisions about their children’s health.
