Sun Jun 01 15:00:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Controversy Erupts as HHS Secretary Kennedy Removes COVID Vaccine Recommendation for Pregnant Women, Experts Reiterate Safety and Benefits**

Washington, D.C. – A decision by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the list of recommended immunizations for healthy children and pregnant women has sparked debate and concern among medical professionals. Kennedy announced the change on Tuesday, stating that the COVID vaccine for these groups has been removed from the CDC-recommended immunization schedule.

However, this decision stands in stark contrast to the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and numerous researchers, who continue to emphasize the heightened risk COVID-19 poses to pregnant individuals and strongly recommend vaccination and boosters.

“No matter what the politics say, the science is the science, and we know that objectively, pregnant patients are at substantially increased risk of having complications,” Dr. Neil Silverman, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA, told KFF Health News.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that pregnant women who contract COVID-19 are more likely to experience severe illness, hospitalization, ICU admission, and even death compared to their non-pregnant counterparts. Research also indicates a link between COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and increased risks of complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Experts explain that pregnancy naturally suppresses the immune system, making pregnant individuals more susceptible to infections. Additionally, pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots, a risk further amplified by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective for pregnant women, providing protection for both the mother and the newborn. Studies show that vaccinated pregnant women pass antibodies to their babies, significantly reducing the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 in infants. A recent CDC study found that nearly 90% of babies hospitalized with COVID-19 had mothers who were unvaccinated during pregnancy.

“It will protect the pregnant person from more severe disease,” said virologist Angela Rasmussen.

Some experts fear that Kennedy’s decision could lead to decreased insurance coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine, potentially making it unaffordable for some pregnant women. While medical professionals understand financial constraints, they urge pregnant women to prioritize vaccination if possible, citing the significant benefits for both mother and child.

Dr. Prahl is hopeful further studies will show the benefits of a booster during pregnancy for mother and baby.

The HHS Public Affairs office did not provide an on-the-record comment regarding the scientific literature that supports COVID vaccination for pregnant women.

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