In a significant shift, U.S. health authorities have discontinued their routine recommendation of COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children and expectant mothers, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed these groups from its standard immunization schedule.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccines, shared the update in a video on X (formerly Twitter), positioning the change as part of a broader health system overhaul aligned with former President Donald Trump’s agenda to streamline federal governance. “We’re one step closer to fulfilling @POTUS’s vision to Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy declared.

Previously, the CDC advised updated COVID-19 vaccines for all individuals six months and older. However, despite evidence cited by the agency itself—highlighting the safety and benefits of COVID shots during pregnancy—new leadership appears to be pivoting from that stance.

Dr. Marty Makary, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), echoed the policy shift, stating there is no conclusive need for routine vaccinations in healthy children. He noted that many other nations have already moved away from recommending COVID shots for that age group.

"The pandemic era is behind us; it's time to turn the page," the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said in a statement, signaling a broader retreat from emergency-era health policies.

The announcement also follows the FDA’s recent decision to demand new clinical trials for annual COVID booster approvals in Americans under 65, narrowing eligibility to seniors and those at high risk. Vaccine producers Moderna and Pfizer have yet to comment on the update.