This Wednesday, the FDA greenlit the latest series of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax specifically for those over 65. However, for those below this age, the FDA’s approval pertains only to individuals with “at least one underlying condition that elevates their risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.” Additionally, the emergency use authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for children under 5 was withdrawn by the FDA.

According to The Post, Monarez experienced continuous pressure from Kennedy regarding the possibility of altering the FDA’s policies. The Post notes that “at least three senior CDC officials” have indicated their intention to resign, among them Demetre Daskalakis, head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, and Debra Houry, the chief medical officer.

Kennedy, in a tweet, suggests that the measures will “ensure vaccines remain available to those desiring them, notably the at-risk populations,” yet they could impose an additional barrier by requiring millions of Americans to demonstrate they are at heightened risk to obtain the vaccine.

The New York Times highlights that a forthcoming CDC decision might influence the availability and accessibility at pharmacy locations, contingent on some state laws demanding the CDC’s endorsement for pharmacy teams to administer the vaccines. As observed last month, Kennedy recently discharged 17 members from the federal committee (ACIP) charged with advising on vaccine recommendations.