RFK Jr. shakes up COVID vaccine policy with new rules

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new COVID vaccine policy continues a steady drip of moves that are incrementally raising barriers to accessing shots.It rewrites pandemic-era rules by narrowing the groups who can get the shots without a prescription — and will make everyone else jump through more hoops to stay COVID-free.Why it matters: While the new policy was in line with drug companies' expectations, there could be more obstacles ahead when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kennedy's handpicked vaccine advisory board weigh in on the suitability of the shots in the coming weeks.Driving the news: Kennedy said on X that the Food and Drug Administration rescinded emergency use authorizations for Pfizer and Moderna mRNA shots and greenlit boosters for high-risk patients.Those include individuals 65 and over and others with at least one condition that could lead to severe illness from the virus.Healthy adults and youths will have to consult with a doctor first. But the list of underlying conditions that increase risk of severe COVID is quite broad and includes asthma, heart conditions, depression, physical inactivity and smoking.The new policies don't cover healthy children under age 5, leaving it to doctors to decide whether to prescribe shots to them off-label.Between the lines: The moves are consistent with Kennedy's past vows to kill pandemic-era policies but still allow people to access vaccines."These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors," he said yesterday. "The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three."Left unsaid were the uncertain availability of shots for the youngest children and possible cost and administrative hurdles.What they're saying: The Infectious Diseases Society of America later on Wednesday urged doctors to continue recommending vaccination "based on the best available science" and said the narrow authorization puts millions of lives at risk.State of play: It's not clear how broadly insurers will cover the shots. The forthcoming CDC deliberations will decide if some patients wind up paying out of pocket for vaccines that can cost around $140.Pfizer said this season's vaccine will begin shipping immediately and be available in pharmacies, hospitals and clinics within days.Employers don't have to make any immediate changes to workplace benefits and cannot stop paying for vaccines during the current plan year, said Kathryn Bakich, senior vice president at benefits consulting firm Segal. Going forward, she said, health plans will be watching the Trump administration for signs about whether their coverage obligations on COVID vaccines are limited to the high-risk groups.What we're watching: Raymond James analyst Chris Meekins wrote in a note that the changes will likely result in fewer vaccinations, which could lead to more COVID-19 cases.Those most at risk of hospitalization should still have access to the shots, though.Questions ahead include whether vaccine makers will provide more financial incentives for pharmacies to administer the shots, as well as whether telehealth providers will begin to provide online vaccine consultations, Raymond James analysts wrote.

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