Federal Stalemate Leaves Half of US Children Without Updated Covid Shots
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not released updated Covid-19 vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, leaving approximately 52% of US children without free access. While doses are available for privately insured patients, the federal delay creates a two-tiered system that disproportionately affects low-income, uninsured, and Medicaid-eligible families. Officials have not provided a timeline for when VFC doses will be distributed, despite the FDA approving the shots in August 2026.
