RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
January 7, 2026 / 5:58 PM EST / CBS News
TL;DR
- CDC has updated childhood vaccination recommendations, now suggesting flu, RSV, meningococcal, and COVID vaccines primarily for high-risk children or after medical consultation.
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes fewer children receiving the flu vaccine may be a "better thing."
- Kennedy cited a Cochrane Collaboration review suggesting no evidence the flu vaccine prevents serious illness, hospitalizations, or death in children.
- CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes highlighted CDC data showing most child flu deaths in 2024 were among unvaccinated children.
- Cordes also noted that other studies and the CDC itself previously indicated the flu vaccine significantly reduces child mortality and intensive care stays due to the flu.