• For the upcoming autumn season, the FDA has given the green light to new COVID-19 vaccines, though there has been a shift in the guidance on who should be vaccinated.

  • These updated vaccines, designed to combat the most recent virus variants, are slated for distribution by mid-September.

  • There is growing concern among health professionals that changes in vaccine eligibility guidelines might lead to a rise in infections, particularly among those at higher risk.

As the “Stratus” variant of omicron causes a spike in COVID-19 cases late this summer, many in the U.S. are uncertain if they qualify for the new vaccinations planned for the fall.

Recent decisions related to vaccine policies under the Trump administration have raised alarms among public health experts about the potential increase in COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

On August 27, the FDA set new limits on who can receive the latest COVID-19 vaccines, affecting many adults and children.

Only younger adults and children at “high risk” due to chronic conditions such as obesity or asthma will be eligible for the vaccines. Moreover, Pfizer’s vaccine will no longer be available to children under 5, who will instead be eligible for Moderna and Novavax vaccinations.

This change implies that numerous Americans will need to justify their need for the vaccine, and healthy individuals, both adults and children, wanting the vaccine will find themselves ineligible.

New guidelines from the American College of Cardiology now advise that individuals with heart conditions be vaccinated against respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, the flu, and RSV.

All American adults over the age of 65 remain eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Adjustments to the vaccination guidelines started in May, when both the CDC and the FDA ceased recommending the COVID-19 vaccine to healthy adults under 65, pregnant individuals, and healthy children.

Early in August, the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced a cut of $500 million in funding for 22 mRNA vaccine development initiatives.

A week later, Kennedy’s department reinstated the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, a move that some believe might encourage anti-vaccination policies.

As reported by the CDC, the percentage of unvaccinated children has soared to a record high, and the U.S. is seeing the highest number of measles cases in 33 years.

In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its recommendations, urging vaccination against COVID-19 for children aged 6 months to 18 years.

Healthline interviewed experts who warned that the recent policy changes could lead to serious health crises in the coming months.

“We expect to see an increase in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths this winter due to lower vaccination rates,” noted William Schaffner, MD, a Vanderbilt University professor specializing in infectious diseases.

Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, expressed concerns about the limited vaccine availability: “It’s alarming to think that not everyone will have access to the vaccines. We might witness the extensive damage COVID-19 can still inflict. Brace yourselves,” she warned.

Limited COVID-19 Vaccinations Could Trigger Increased Infections

While the exact availability date of the latest COVID-19 vaccines remains uncertain, they are likely to be released in mid-September.

The updated vaccines are formulated to address the most recent variants of the coronavirus.

Steven Jensen, MD, from Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, assures that there should be sufficient vaccine supplies to accommodate anyone desiring vaccination.

He mentioned that vaccine production has increased, and most health facilities should have ample supplies, though some rural areas might experience shortages.

The primary concern, according to Jensen, is whether people will opt to receive the vaccine, especially with the recent changes in CDC and FDA recommendations.

“The challenge lies not in vaccine availability but in overcoming vaccine fatigue and misinformation about vaccine safety, which affects people’s willingness to get vaccinated,” he explained to Healthline.

Other complications include a report by Politico indicating that in 18 states and Washington, D.C., pharmacists can only vaccinate individuals based on CDC guidelines, which might prevent them from vaccinating young or healthy individuals without underlying conditions.

Politico also noted that pharmacies administered nearly 90% of the COVID-19 vaccine doses during the 2024–2025 season, according to CDC data.

Healthy individuals who care for vulnerable people might find themselves unable to get vaccinated, adding to the risk.

Jake Scott, MD, from Stanford University, highlighted that insurance companies might not cover the cost of vaccinations for those not meeting CDC guidelines, effectively making protection a matter of financial ability.

“We are creating a system where your ability to protect yourself and your family depends on your financial resources,” he told Healthline.

Fisher emphasized the risk to healthy babies, cancer patients, and those with underlying health issues, stating that this vulnerability could impact everyone.

“The most vulnerable populations will be the first affected,” she noted. “It’s hard to find someone who isn’t connected to these at-risk groups in some way.”

Scott warned that a decline in vaccination rates could lead to widespread viral outbreaks, affecting not just the unvaccinated but the entire community.

“When fewer people are vaccinated, viruses spread more easily through schools and communities, straining health systems and putting at-risk individuals in danger. We are paving the way for preventable diseases to make a comeback,” he explained.

Impact of Reduced mRNA Vaccine Research on Disease Control

mRNA vaccines, which have been researched for decades, introduce the immune system to an antigen differently than traditional vaccines. Rather than using a weakened or dead pathogen, they instruct cells to produce an antigen temporarily.

This technology, utilized in COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, extends beyond infectious disease vaccines to potential treatments for cancer, genetic therapies, and more.

Jensen emphasized the broader implications of cutting funds for mRNA research, noting it could hinder advancements in treating diverse diseases and preparing for future health crises.

“Reducing investment in mRNA vaccine research could severely impact our ability to develop new treatments for various diseases and to respond quickly to new health threats,” he stated.

When Kennedy announced the funding cuts, he argued that mRNA vaccines had not proven effective against respiratory diseases—a claim widely disputed by the medical community.

“This decision to cut funding by half a billion dollars is based on incorrect scientific assumptions,” Scott countered, adding that he had reviewed the extensive documentation Kennedy used to justify the funding cuts, which, contrary to Kennedy’s claim, supported vaccination benefits.

Scott also pointed out that mRNA vaccines could be updated faster than traditional vaccines, a critical advantage during pandemics.

“Abandoning this technology means losing precious time during health crises, which translates to preventable deaths,” he remarked.

Fisher argued that the U.S. should be at the forefront of mRNA vaccine innovation, not obstructing it.

“We should be leading the efforts in this field. The future threats are unknown, and being prepared is crucial,” she asserted.

Rising Concerns Regarding Exemptions from Childhood Vaccinations

The CDC reports an increase in vaccine exemptions among kindergarteners, noting a rise to 3.6% from 3.3% the previous year.

Furthermore, the CDC indicates a decline in vaccination rates for all reported vaccines among this group, with coverage dropping to 92.1% for the DTaP vaccine and to 92.5% for the MMR and polio vaccines.

Additionally, there have been more than 1,400 measles cases reported in the U.S. this year, the highest number in over three decades and a significant increase from the 285 cases reported in 2024.

This trend has alarmed many health experts.

“The increase in exemptions weakens herd immunity, making it easier for diseases to spread,” Jensen explained.

Scott expressed concern about the concentration of non-vaccinated clusters throughout the country.

“The real danger lies in these geographic clusters. These aren’t just isolated cases; they are entire communities where diseases like measles and whooping cough can rapidly spread among unprotected children. We’ve seen outbreaks before, and we’re on the path to seeing them again,” he warned.

Schaffner also voiced concerns about the trend toward more exemptions.

“We must avoid returning to the days when these diseases were rampant and misunderstood. They are far more severe than many today realize,” he told Healthline.

Strategies for Staying Healthy Without a COVID Vaccine

Typically, COVID-19 symptoms resolve on their own. To alleviate symptoms, consider:

  • resting

  • staying hydrated

  • using over-the-counter medications for pain and fever

If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider who may recommend antiviral treatments like Paxlovid.

There are additional measures to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.

“Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise,” Fisher advised. “Frequent handwashing or using hand sanitizer, and wearing masks in crowded public spaces, especially during travel, can also help prevent viral infections.”