The federal government is restricting COVID-19 vaccine access. Here’s what that means for the ongoing pandemic and people with Long COVID. - The Sick Times
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Recent policy changes around COVID-19 vaccines are already sowing chaos and confusion and restricting vaccine access — including for people who should still be eligible to receive them.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines would be available only to people over age 65 or with qualifying health conditions. Kennedy and other officials also said the shots would no longer be recommended for pregnant people or children.
  • These announcements sidestepped established, transparent processes for changes to vaccine policy, which for decades have gone through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is set to meet June 25–27.
  • Ahead of the meeting, RFK Jr. abruptly removed all committee members and replaced them with his own allies, many of whom have downplayed the risks of COVID-19 and are vaccine skeptics. If ACIP agrees with Kennedy’s conclusions, insurance companies may not cover the shot for the general public.
  • Restricted access to COVID-19 vaccines will mean more transmission, hospitalizations, and deaths, as well as a higher incidence of Long COVID.
  • The policy changes are already sowing chaos and confusion, including for people who should still be eligible to get vaccinated.