In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized use of the Novavax COVID vaccine under limited conditions. This milestone is a huge win and an important step in the continued pandemic response. This approval coincides with potential changes in vaccination recommendations from government officials, particularly regarding annual fall COVID shots for certain demographics, including healthy children. Environmental health specialists urge you to be proactive in getting vaccinated. This message is particularly important for at-risk groups, such as those 65 years and older, and those with chronic medical conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) made headlines in September 2025 by announcing that healthy adults and children, who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, no longer require routine revaccination. Importantly, this guidance does not apply to pregnant people. They are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, which may result in pregnancy complications and death. Vaccination during pregnancy is critically important. It passes antibodies to the fetus through the placenta, giving vital protection to newborns during their first few months, when they are most vulnerable.
A big problem has cropped up. Public health data indicates that newborns under six months of age have often been admitted to the emergency department or requiring admission for severe COVID. Amid a rise of infections expected this summer, health professionals are calling on the public to be careful. Last year, at home positive COVID tests jumped in mid-May. They came close to 18% in August, leading to more than 1,300 weekly deaths at the height of the outbreak’s summer resurgence.
Health experts, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advise that anyone 65 years or older should get a COVID vaccine as soon as possible. They recommend that people with chronic medical conditions receive an additional dose in the fall. The Hill underscored last week that the CDC is now cautioned that vaccination recommendations to the general population may soon decrease. This alteration could hit healthy kids the hardest.
As health officials look back on what’s occurred, they continue to watch for possible summer surges. Dr. Schaffner remarked:
“Even if they go that route – and I don’t know that they will – but even if they do, there will always be a proviso that says any parent who wishes their child to be protected against COVID can receive the vaccine.” – William Schaffner, MD
The CDC just proclaimed the second-highest weekly test positivity rate in history. This underscores the continued, urgent need for vaccinations to prevent severe illness. As speculation about changing guidelines continues, health experts urge continued vigilance among high-risk groups while navigating future vaccine recommendations.
“All those persons, should they become infected with COVID, have a greater likelihood of developing more serious illness. And by serious, we mean requiring hospitalization.” – William Schaffner, MD
As health officials reflect on past trends, they remain vigilant about potential summer surges. Dr. Schaffner remarked:
“We all know about the winter surge, but there’s also a summer surge, which can be just as high.” – William Schaffner, MD
The CDC has reported a second-highest weekly test positivity rate on record, underscoring the urgency of vaccinations as a protective measure against severe illness. As speculation about changing guidelines continues, health experts urge continued vigilance among high-risk groups while navigating future vaccine recommendations.
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