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RFK Jr.'s CDC blocks US states from ordering kids' COVID shots

The US health department under RFK Jr. is preventing states from ordering COVID-19 vaccines for children, citing the need to ensure appropriate orders.

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Inewgen
24 Sep 2026Source: Ars Technica1 min read (0 views)
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RFK Jr.'s CDC blocks US states from ordering kids' COVID shots

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

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  • The CDC under RFK Jr. is blocking US states from ordering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The US health department claims the restriction ensures vaccine orders are "appropriate."
  • The policy directly limits children's access to COVID-19 immunization across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has taken a controversial step by preventing individual US states from placing orders for COVID-19 vaccines designated for children. This administrative hurdle has effectively cut off standard distribution channels for pediatric doses.

US government health facility building exterior Washington

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

This federal intervention has sparked immediate concern among local health officials who rely on state-level procurement to protect vulnerable youth communities. By restricting direct orders, federal oversight has tightened its grip on vaccine logistics.

Shifting the authority of vaccine procurement from state jurisdiction to centralized federal review marks a notable pivot in US public health administration. While proponents argue it enhances scrutiny and standardized evaluation, critics warn it may severely impede local responsiveness and timely access to medical resources.

The US Department of Health stated that its primary intention behind the restriction is to verify and guarantee that all vaccine orders are "appropriate" prior to nationwide distribution.

Source: Ars Technica

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