CDC adopts individual-based decision-making for COVID-19 shots

[Booster shot covid-19 vaccine concept]
Wachiwit/iStock via Getty Images

The CDC has followed the recommendation [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4496718-cdc-vaccines-panel-votes-unanimously-to-change-covid-19-vaccine-recommendation] of its vaccine advisory panel made in September that COVID-19 booster shots be based on "individual-based decision-making."

The updated immunization schedule is a departure from the past when the jabs were recommended for everyone six months and older.

"CDC's 2022 blanket recommendation for perpetual COVID-19 boosters deterred health care providers from talking about the risks and benefits of vaccination for the individual patient or parent," acting CDC Secretary Jim O'Neill said. "That changes today."

The change means that individuals will consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, about the risks and benefits of a COVID shot before deciding whether to get one.

"The booster shots prompted widespread risk-benefit concerns about their safety and efficacy as the COVID-19 virus became endemic following population-wide immunity acquired during the pandemic and [Operating Warp Speed]," according to a CDC news release [https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/cdc-immunization-schedule-adopts-individual-based-decision.html].

The U.S. FDA previously granted marketing authorization for mRNA COVID shots from Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MRNA]) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PFE])/BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BNTX]), and Novavax's (NASDAQ:NVAX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NVAX]) protein-based vaccine.

That authorization stated [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4489685-fda-authorizes-updated-covid-19-shots-but-with-restrictions] that the jabs are for adults 65 and older, and for those under 65 with at least one risk factor for severe COVID.

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