American Lung Association Urges HHS To Keep COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for All

Today, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the Administration is no longer recommending the COVID-19 immunization for healthy children or healthy pregnant women. In response to this announcement, American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer released the following statement:

“Secretary Kennedy has promised transparency and that he would not take vaccines away from anyone, but with today’s announcement, he is doing the opposite. The decision to take away the choice for pregnant women and for parents who chose to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 is alarming. By removing the recommendation for healthy children and pregnant women, insurers are no longer required to cover vaccination without cost — although some may choose to continue doing so. As a result, many who want to be vaccinated may face out-of-pocket costs or find it harder to access, making it less available and less affordable.

“The science does not support this decision. COVID-19 is still a significant public health threat, and vaccination is the best way to help keep parents at work, kids at school and families healthy. From October 1, 2024 through mid-May of this year, there were 260,000-430,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations. So far this year, there have been over 11,500 deaths involving COVID-19. 
 
“The American Lung Association calls on HHS to follow the science and the experts to ensure America stays healthy.”

The American Lung Association provides science-based information about COVID-19 at Lung.org/covid19.