HHS confirmed that ordering for COVID-19 vaccines is now open following an unexplained delay. The delay follows years of attacks by Kennedy on vaccine access and his attempts to block approval. Last year, as health secretary, he unilaterally revoked the CDC’s universal vaccine recommendations. A federal judge halted other changes in March, leaving current guidance as they were in July 2025. At that point, vaccines were recommended for children 6 months to 17 years old who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Healthy children in that age group were advised to obtain them through shared clinical decision-making with a doctor or pharmacist. The newly approved clinical guidance added an update yesterday stating: "Because of legal uncertainties and inquiries, the CDC states the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination from the July 2025 immunization schedule remain in effect for the 2026-2027 respiratory illness season." Despite this, those recommendations differ from leading medical groups. Their guidance says all infants 6 months to 23 months old should get vaccinated, and children 2 to 18 years old should be vaccinated if at higher risk or if they desire it.

The situation highlights ongoing legal and political battles surrounding COVID-19 vaccine policy. While ordering is now open, confusion remains about who should receive shots this season, as federal recommendations clash with those of major medical organizations.