The CDC has reasserted Covid-19 vaccinations for children after controversial remarks by RFK Jr., while U.S. senators push to squeeze Russia’s oil revenues through new sanctions.
At a Glance
- The CDC reaffirmed Covid-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months to 17 years.
- Health Secretary RFK Jr. had earlier claimed vaccines would be removed from the federal schedule.
- Experts warn Kennedy’s statement could reduce vaccine access through insurance or government programs.
- The CDC’s update does not include recommendations for pregnant women or infants under 6 months.
- Senators Graham and Blumenthal proposed new sanctions to cut Russia’s energy export revenue.
CDC Pushes Back Against Kennedy’s Announcement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an updated stance on pediatric Covid-19 vaccinations, directly contradicting recent claims by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to reporting by The New York Times, Kennedy had announced that Covid vaccines would be removed from the federal immunization schedule for children—a move that drew alarm from public health officials nationwide.
In response, the CDC clarified that Covid vaccines remain part of the recommended routine for healthy children aged 6 months to 17 years. The agency emphasized a model of “shared decision-making,” encouraging parents and guardians to consult their healthcare providers about vaccination options. Crucially, the CDC confirmed that the Vaccines for Children program will continue to provide free Covid shots to roughly 38 million low-income youth across the country.
However, health experts caution that Kennedy’s premature announcement could result in reduced insurance or government coverage for these vaccines. Moreover, the CDC’s guidance lacks specificity for high-risk groups—particularly pregnant women and infants under 6 months—leaving some vulnerable populations without clear recommendations.
Watch a report: CDC affirms vaccine access despite RFK Jr. remarks.
Sanctions Strategy Targets Russian Oil
Meanwhile, on the international front, a bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate is intensifying economic pressure on Russia. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced legislation aimed at choking off revenue from Russia’s energy exports. Following a visit to Kyiv, the lawmakers called for stricter enforcement of oil price caps and stronger coordination with European allies.
The proposal—already gaining traction in Congress—seeks to weaponize economic tools to pressure the Kremlin toward serious peace negotiations. By leveraging oil price controls, U.S. lawmakers hope to curtail Moscow’s funding for the war in Ukraine without triggering global market instability.
These dual developments—in domestic health policy and foreign affairs—reveal a volatile political environment where rapid course corrections have become the norm. Whether addressing pandemic guidance or escalating tensions abroad, U.S. officials are navigating fierce backlash, public concern, and geopolitical complexity in real time.
