US states begin ordering 2026–27 Covid vaccines after month-long hold-up
US states can now order 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccines through the Vaccines for Children programme after an unexplained delay of nearly a month. The hold-up occurred despite FDA approval in late August and has raised concerns about political interference, particularly given Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s longstanding opposition to COVID-19 vaccines.
HHS initially blamed unfinished procurement decisions, while reports suggested delays in finalising clinical guidance and obtaining CDC leadership approval. Current CDC recommendations remain focused on immunocompromised children, with vaccination for healthy children decided jointly with a clinician, although leading medical groups recommend broader vaccination for infants and higher-risk children.
- COVID-19 vaccine ordering for US states has finally opened.
- Officials have not clearly explained the month-long delay.
- CDC guidance remains narrower than leading medical recommendations.
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Originally published by Ars Technica as “CDC opens state ordering for COVID-19 vaccines after unexplained delay”.