Days after the American Academy of Pediatrics released an immunization guide that broke with CDC guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for children, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published its own vaccine guide recommending COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines for pregnant people. The updated guidance comes as the FDA reportedly approved updated COVID-19 vaccines only for people 65 and older and people 6 months and older with at least one underlying health condition. Many social media users expressed support for both groups’ guidance, but feared that insurance may not cover the vaccines without federal recommendations. Vaccine opponents argued that people should reject immunization schedules and falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines are too big a “risk” for young children and pregnant people.
Recommendation
Many people are confused about who can or should get vaccines against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses due to conflicting guidelines. Health communicators can help clear up confusion by highlighting the vaccine recommendations of trusted physician groups, such as the AAP and ACOG, and encouraging people to talk to their health care provider about the vaccines they and their loved ones need. Messaging may explain that although vaccine advice may seem conflicting, COVID-19 vaccines remain the best protection for people of all ages. Emphasizing that certain populations—including young children and people who are older, pregnant, and immunocompromised—are at higher risk from COVID-19 and may benefit from vaccination is recommended.
Fact-checking sources: ACOG, HealthyChildren.org, CIDRAP
