CDC Considers Narrowing COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering a shift in its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations. A majority of the agency's work group on COVID-19 vaccines now supports ending the pandemic-era recommendation for virtually all Americans to get vaccinated annually.

Instead of the current "universal" recommendation, the CDC is considering guidance based on individual risk factors for severe disease. This could mean that only adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals with underlying health conditions, would be strongly advised to receive at least two doses each year. The proposal also includes allowing anyone who wants protection from COVID-19 to receive a vaccine.

A formal vote on the new guidance is expected in June by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The panel's decisions significantly influence how the federal government supports immunizations, including insurance coverage and how doctors discuss vaccinations. Some committee members have expressed support for the risk-based approach, while also acknowledging potential challenges.

Concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the change and the message it might send, given that COVID-19 remains a common and potentially dangerous disease. The work group has been evaluating this shift since last year, considering data on infection-induced immunity, long COVID, multisystem inflammatory syndrome, and vaccine uptake.

Recent data shows that vaccination rates have declined, with less than a quarter of adults and around 13% of children receiving a COVID-19 vaccine this past season. Outside medical groups have voiced opposition to scaling back recommendations, citing concerns about potential barriers to vaccination.

Analysis presented to the panel suggests that narrowing the recommendations might not significantly impact many Americans, as a large percentage of adults have conditions that put them at higher risk. However, some members believe that a risk-based approach would not necessarily worsen vaccination rates. The work group also examined data from a previous shift in flu shot recommendations, which showed that broadening recommendations did not significantly increase vaccination rates among high-risk individuals.