Every fall, vaccines become part of the rhythm of life: flu shots, Covid shots, and an RSV shot if your doctor recommends it. For years, it was straightforward — the federal government, major medical groups, and your doctor were all in sync and gave you clear guidance on what to do. But not anymore.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed through sweeping changes to vaccine policy that have left parents and patients with a lot of unanswered questions. Guidance from the government now clashes with recommendations from leading medical organizations. Some states are starting to issue their own policies. And many families are wondering: Which vaccines should my kids get? Which ones will be covered by insurance? Who can I really trust?
Senior health correspondent Dylan Scott’s new guide is here to help sort through the noise. It lays out what we know right now, what might change, and the right questions to bring to your doctor or pharmacist.
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—Paige Vega, climate editor
