Despite the fact that CDC has estimated that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 34 states and staying steady in 14, with no states showing a decline, the ability for many Americans to receive an approved COVID-19 vaccine is steadily decreasing. Following the May announcements of FDA limiting availability of the vaccine to individuals aged 65 and older and those aged 6 months or older with one or more risk factors, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stating that the CDC would no longer recommend the vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women, August has seen further limitations with the potential FDA revocation of the authorization of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine and the “wind-down” of mRNA vaccine development activities.
The FDA revocation consideration for Pfizer’s vaccine for healthy children younger than 5 years old is based, in part, on the fact that it is still under an emergency use authorization (EUA). But with the recently approved Moderna vaccine approved only for children under 12 with at least one underlying condition (along with adults 65 or older), revocation of the Pfizer vaccine would leave no permitted vaccine for healthy children under 5 years of age.
The mRNA vaccine wind-down impacts numerous contracts and solicitations which are to be cancelled or removed from projects. In terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments, the agency said no new mRNA-based projects will be initiated and all mRNA-based equity investments are to cease. The agency is instead shifting to broader vaccine platforms that are “evidence-based, ethically grounded solutions – like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms.”
While removing such vaccines from market, the HHS is reaffirming its “commitment towards continuous improvement in childhood vaccine safety oversight” through the reinstatement of the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines. The original task force, created by Congress to improve the safety, quality, and oversight of vaccines administered to American children, was disbanded in 1998; the newly reinstated panel consists of senior leadership from NIH, FDA, and CDC.
With the NIH Director serving as Chairman, the Task Force will work with the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines to produce recommendations on improvements in vaccine development, production, distribution, adverse reaction reporting, and research to make vaccines safer. HHS will transmit its first formal report to Congress within two years, with updates every two years thereafter.
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- HHS has reinstated the long-dormant Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, first created in 1986 and disbanded in 1998. The group will work with CDC and FDA to improve vaccine safety, reduce adverse reactions, and strengthen reporting systems, with its first report due to Congress in two years.
- PAHO reports over 10,000 measles cases, including 18 deaths, across 10 countries in the Americas in 2025. This is a rate 34 times higher than last year. Most cases are in unvaccinated people, with large outbreaks in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. (notably in Mennonite and indigenous communities). Vaccine coverage remains below the 95% needed to stop outbreaks, raising concerns about countries losing their measles elimination status. PAHO is urging urgent vaccination campaigns, while U.S. states like New Mexico (100 cases) and Idaho continue to report new infections.
- New CDC survey data show that teen vaccination rates improved in 2024. Tdap coverage rose to 91.3% (up from 89%) and MenACWY to 90.1% (up from 88.4%). Gains were also seen for meningococcal B, MMR, and hepatitis B vaccines, reflecting progress in boosting adolescent immunization.
- The FDA may end Pfizer’s emergency use authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months–4 years. Moderna’s vaccine is currently only approved for kids with certain health conditions, and Novavax is limited to ages 12+. CDC has told state and local officials it is in talks with Moderna to boost supply. The move follows recent HHS policy shifts removing the COVID vaccine recommendation for healthy children and pregnant women. Uptake in young kids has been low, with only 5.6% coverage last season.
