U.S. Vaccination Turmoil: Limited Access to New COVID-19 Doses and Pfizer Vaccine Pulled for Young Children

In a controversial move, U.S. regulators have authorized new COVID-19 vaccine doses while enforcing restrictions that complicate access for millions. Additionally, they have withdrawn one vaccine option intended for young children. The Associated Press (AP) reported that updated doses from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are approved for older adults. However, only young adults and minors with at least one risk factor, such as asthma or obesity, are eligible. This creates hurdles for those unable to prove they have specific health conditions.

In a significant shift, the Pfizer vaccine is no longer available for children under five, following the FDA's revocation of the emergency use authorization for this age group. The alternative is Moderna's Spikevax, approved for children as young as six months, but limited to those with severe health issues. The Novavax booster is only available for individuals over 12 years old, subject to the same risk criteria.

The agency explained that these changes are based on a review of virus evolution data and questions about the necessity of annual immunization for the entire population. This new policy represents a departure from the previous strategy, which recommended yearly doses for all Americans from six months of age.

Several medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have criticized the decision, highlighting the barriers it creates for families wanting to protect their children. These changes coincide with instability within the public health system. This week, the White House dismissed Susan Monarez, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after less than a month in the position, according to AP. A spokesperson claimed she was not "aligned" with President Donald Trump's agenda, while her attorneys argue she was removed for prioritizing science over political pressure.

Monarez's removal was accompanied by the resignation of at least four senior CDC officials, including those responsible for immunization and infectious diseases. Their farewell letters cited censorship of scientific communication, budget cuts, and critical responsibilities being assigned to individuals skeptical of vaccines.

Public health experts have described the situation as a "decapitation" of the CDC, warning that the loss of seasoned scientific personnel weakens the nation's preparedness for health emergencies. The new vaccination guidelines, alongside the leadership crisis at the top health agency, contribute to a climate of uncertainty amid rising respiratory virus cases and tens of thousands of COVID-related deaths in the U.S. over the past year.

The new vaccination policy in the United States, which excludes those without risk conditions and removes Pfizer's use for children under five, comes at a time when the WHO warns of a global increase in cases and a new, more transmissible subvariant. Despite lower lethality, experts caution that relaxed health measures and public fatigue are paving the way for surges that could once again overwhelm healthcare systems.

Meanwhile, in Cuba, health authorities are resuming vaccination campaigns with a new booster dose. The initiative includes administering national vaccines to those over 50, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, following a slight rise in cases across several provinces. This reactivation contrasts with the restrictive approach taken by the United States, where specialists argue that political motivations, rather than scientific evidence, are jeopardizing overall immunization coverage.