FDA Limits Updated COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 shot but limited their use for many Americans. New shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax were approved for all seniors. But the FDA narrowed their use for younger adults and children to those with at least one high-risk conditions. Additionally, Pfizer's vaccine will no longer be available for children under 5 because the FDA revoked the shot's emergency authorization for that group.

The new restrictions substantially differ from previous FDA policy. Previous policy recommended an annual COVID-19 shot for all Americans over six months old. Dr. Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccines expert, warned that the new limits may create barriers to vaccinations and cause confusion for patients, doctors, and pharmacists. Leadership at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) objected to the new restrictions arguing that these restrictions may block vaccine access for families who what to protect their children. AAP strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Children ages 6 months to 2 years are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, stated Dr. Campbell, vice chair of AAP and University of Maryland infectious diseases expert.

It might get more complicated to get a COVID-19 shot this year. Most Americans visit a drugstore to get their COVID-19 vaccines. Some pharmacists may be reluctant to give shots to customers who fall outside of the FDA's approval range. And if the COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended for particular group of citizens, it is unclear whether insurance providers will cover the cost of getting the vaccine. The vaccine can cost $150 or more without insurance.

Earlier this year, Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy Jr., who is not a medical doctor but is an environmental attorney, replaced the entire Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel. He replaced the panel with several doctors and researchers who repeatedly questioned the safety of commonly used vaccines and ingredients. Preliminary CDC data estimates that 47,500 Americans died from COVID-19 related causes last year.