New COVID Vaccine Guidelines Alarm Pregnant Women and Families

Washington, D.C. — Federal health officials have implemented new recommendations that limit COVID vaccine access for certain groups, leading to confusion and fear among families. The changes affect healthy pregnant women, children without health conditions, and adults under 65 without risk factors. The announcements were made on June 3, 2025.

Loryn Competti, a 30-year-old pregnant woman from Cincinnati, expressed her distress upon hearing the news. ‘I started crying. I was like, ‘Am I really not going to be able to get this vaccine? Why?” Competti is in her fifth month of pregnancy and fears serious complications from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently stated that vaccines for healthy pregnant women will not be routinely covered by insurance anymore.

‘I don’t want to get COVID while I’m pregnant,’ Competti said. ‘The most certain way to protect my child is to get vaccinated myself.’

The newly revised guidelines suggest that parents should consult with healthcare providers before deciding vaccination for their children. The CDC’s previous recommendation for universal vaccination for children over six months has been rescinded, stirring discontent within the medical community.

Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated, ‘We are extremely disappointed with the new guidance. COVID-19 during pregnancy can lead to severe complications.’ He emphasized that vaccination is essential for protecting both mothers and their infants.

The FDA has also mandated that vaccine manufacturers conduct large studies to evaluate the necessity and safety of vaccines for those not classified as high risk. This change comes in light of significant public sentiment suggesting that with high immunity levels in the population, vaccination may not be necessary.

Families like the Zelayas from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, are similarly concerned. Rachel Sampler Zelaya, the mother of a daughter with asthma, wishes to maintain vaccination for her family to ensure their safety. ‘It feels like I’ve had a choice taken away from me,’ she said.

In Nashville, Ashley Hoskins raised concerns over the health of her husband, who relies on immunosuppressive drugs after a kidney transplant. ‘How do we protect the people we love?’ Hoskins asked.

Despite mixed reactions from the community, some feel this change aligns better with the current scientific understanding. Others warn it may lead to increased confusion among healthcare professionals about vaccination guidelines.

‘These new HHS changes, in the absence of justification, fuel myths and misconceptions about COVID vaccines,’ remarked Dr. Moore, president and CEO of an advocacy group. He noted that conflicting recommendations can deter people from seeking vaccinations.

As the situation unfolds, many families express their fear about losing access to vaccines and how the latest updates may impact their children’s health.