CDC Advisors Shift COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance to Individual Decision-Making

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently voted to abandon the prior universal recommendation that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the COVID-19 vaccine134.

The new guidance states that COVID-19 vaccination should be a personal decision, and is no longer universally recommended for the general public134.

ACIP panel members suggested that people can get the shot 'based on individual-based decision-making,' ideally after consulting with their health care provider, though a provider consultation is not required148.

ACIP declined to require a prescription for the vaccine, as this could create additional barriers to access1.

The CDC was instructed to communicate clear risks associated with COVID-19 vaccines, enabling patients to make informed choices1.

Insurers and federal programs have committed to covering the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations at least through 202618.

The shift moves away from years of universal public health guidance, focusing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations on those at highest risk for severe illness, such as the elderly or those with underlying conditions1.

Sources:

1. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/cdc-hepatitis-bvaccine-vote-delayed-parents/story?id=125731004

3. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/acip-recommends-covid19-vaccination-individual-decision-making.html

4. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/cdc-vaccine-advisory-panel-covid-19-hepatitis-b-vaccines/

8. https://www.epocrates.com/online/article/cdc-embraces-individual-choice-in-new-covid-vaccine-guidance