The federal government recently green-lighted updated Covid-19 vaccines for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to make these vaccines accessible through a vital program that helps about half of US children.
The Vaccines for Children program is designed to provide free routine immunizations to children who lack insurance or whose families may struggle to afford them. According to the CDC, nearly half of US children qualify for this initiative, which is recognized as “one of the nation’s most important contributors to vaccine access.”
It’s been three weeks since the US Food and Drug Administration approved these updated Covid-19 vaccines, yet the CDC has not initiated the process for states and other localities to order them via the Vaccines for Children program. This delay was initially highlighted by the Wall Street Journal.
Meanwhile, retail pharmacies have begun receiving both flu and Covid-19 vaccines for this respiratory season. For instance, CVS started delivering Covid-19 vaccines for adults in early September, shortly after the FDA’s approval. Pediatric vaccines also began arriving last week in select pharmacy locations, with a price tag of $149.99 for those without insurance.
Dr. Michelle Fiscus, who serves as the chief medical officer of the Association of Immunization Managers, pointed out that while there’s typically a lag between the commercial availability of seasonal vaccines and their availability through the Vaccines for Children program, the current situation has sparked heightened anxiety. Many are concerned about when these vaccines will finally become accessible through the program.
“In any case, the absence of vaccines means parents can’t choose to protect their children, leading to a scenario where some kids have access while others do not,” she conveyed in a message to CNN.
Flu vaccines experienced some delays due to manufacturer issues, but they are now available both through commercial outlets and government-funded programs.
A representative from the US Department of Health and Human Services indicated that the CDC is in the process of finalizing decisions on Covid-19 vaccine procurement for the Vaccines for Children and Section 317 programs, with more information to follow. The Section 317 of the Public Health Service Act allows for federal support to immunize underserved populations through grants to states.
This spokesperson mentioned that Covid-19 “does not follow the same predictable seasonal pattern as influenza and other respiratory viruses,” noting that its activity varies by region and intensifies at different times of the year. Therefore, they stated, an arbitrary deadline in September should not be regarded as a public-health cutoff for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines.
Covid-19 levels have, in fact, been rising for several weeks now. Data reveals that during the first week of September, Covid-19 accounted for a larger portion of emergency department visits than it had since February, with hospitalizations hitting levels not seen since March.
The HHS spokesperson also reiterated that both HHS and CDC have a duty to responsibly manage taxpayer resources to ensure that vaccines procured through federally funded programs reach the populations that need them.
As of now, the CDC has not released new recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines this season. Last year, the agency modified its Covid-19 vaccine guidance, moving away from a broad recommendation to advising that individuals should consult with healthcare providers for vaccination.
The American Medical Association, along with the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project, published independent reviews this month recommending a Covid-19 vaccine for all infants aged 6 to 23 months, as well as for children in specific high-risk groups or whose families request it.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the CDC must formally vote on a vaccine recommendation before it can be covered and distributed through the Vaccines for Children program; however, the panel has been sidelined since March due to a federal court decision that temporarily halted an HHS reorganization of the vaccine schedule. This ruling also stated that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s attempt to replace committee members did not comply with federal legal guidelines. Consequently, ACIP has not convened since then.
Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed that for many years, the immunization system has ensured every child can access essential vaccines, regardless of their location, family income, or insurance status.
“The Administration has assured that modifications to the federal vaccine process would not hinder families’ access to recommended vaccines, yet that seems to be exactly what’s happening,” he remarked. “Children can’t benefit from vaccines that are delayed or inaccessible, and policymakers should focus on removing barriers rather than creating new ones.”
In June, HHS requested that the courts accelerate proceedings in the lawsuit affecting ACIP.
At that time, Kennedy noted that the policy changes aimed to preserve access and coverage but remarked that the court’s order has left ACIP unable to fulfill its essential responsibilities. He stated that this situation prevents the committee from issuing new recommendations, reviewing newly approved vaccines, or completing critical work ahead of the upcoming flu season.
“Our appeal aims to restore a functioning ACIP so the vaccine recommendation process can resume, allowing families, healthcare providers, and public health programs to have the essential guidance they need,” he stated.
Speaking at a conference organized by the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, Kennedy acknowledged the ongoing litigation but reiterated his familiar claim: “We have not taken vaccines away from anyone.”
