FDA changes vaccine rules under Kennedy policy

A new FDA guidance changes who can receive the updated COVID vaccines and raises questions about access and trust.

Vaccine policy under Kennedy reshapes access

The FDA has updated the authorization for the 2025-26 COVID vaccines. Seniors 65 and older and younger adults with certain health conditions will no longer need a prior consultation to get the shot. Healthy adults under 65, however, must first speak with a healthcare provider before vaccination. The move comes as fall vaccination campaigns loom and amid ongoing political debate over vaccines and public health.

Public health experts warn that the shift could create a barrier to vaccination for people without regular care, while supporters say it strengthens safety and informed decision making. The policy also intersects with broader changes at the CDC and immunization committees, a backdrop of leadership shifts and a politicized discourse on vaccine policy. Vaccination remains a key tool to reduce severe illness, even as access and messaging become more complex.

The policy change is more than a technical adjustment. It frames public health as a matter of governance and public trust, not only science. Supporters frame the move as a safeguard that demands proof and accountability, while critics warn it may erode access and fuel confusion at a moment when clear guidance is crucial. The incoming tensions mirror a broader trend where public health decisions are tangled with political considerations, raising the question of whether safety or speed should drive how vaccines are offered. As the fall season approaches, the real test will be whether patients, clinicians, and pharmacies can navigate a fragmented system without losing confidence in the vaccines themselves.

Highlights

Public health guidance must stay grounded in evidence and clear communication.