Health care providers and health experts expressed concern online about the impact of federal delays in authorizing the CDC advisors’ COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Without CDC approval, the federal Vaccines for Children Program was unable to purchase and distribute free vaccines for low-income communities. The American Academy of Pediatrics warned that the delay left “millions of children” without access to COVID-19 vaccines. Social media users described their struggles to get COVID-19 vaccines for their children, including paying out of pocket and traveling out of state. The CDC acting director finally approved the recommendations on October 6, more than two weeks after the ACIP vote. Some vaccine opponents celebrated the move and argued that the vaccines should never have been given to children. Several posts debated the effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, while others continued to express concerns about its availability and cost.
Recommendation
There is still considerable confusion about who can and should get 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines. In light of the CDC’s new guidance, health communicators may emphasize that COVID-19 vaccines are available and covered by insurance for people 6 months and older. Messaging may explain that everyone will now need to consult a health care provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, before getting vaccinated. Messaging may also emphasize that all major medical groups have affirmed the vaccines’ safety and recommend them for people ages 6 months and older.
Fact-checking sources: The Washington Post, HealthDay
Communication resources: Talking points on flu and COVID-19 vaccination in 2025-26
