Context:

Covid-19 vaccine policy changes in the United States have sparked confusion and concern among adults, particularly as a subdued summer wave of Covid-19 cases unfolds. A KFF poll reveals that most US adults do not plan to get a Covid-19 vaccine this fall, yet those who do express worries about vaccine availability and insurance coverage. Recent announcements by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including changes to vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women, have contributed to these concerns. There is a trust deficit in vaccine information from government and health officials, with people relying more on personal healthcare providers. Experts like Caitlin Rivers and Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo emphasize the importance of timely access to vaccines for high-risk populations, despite uncertainties about the updated vaccine's release date and formulation.

Dive Deeper:

• The US is experiencing a later-than-usual and relatively mild summer wave of Covid-19, with WastewaterSCAN data showing an increase in Covid-19 concentrations from June to July, though still lower than the previous year.

• A KFF poll indicates that the majority of US adults do not plan to receive a Covid-19 vaccine this fall, but those who do are concerned about whether the vaccine will be available and covered by insurance.

• Recent policy announcements by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggest that the Covid-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, and there is an ongoing review of the federal childhood vaccine schedule.

• The KFF survey found that personal doctors are trusted sources for vaccine information, but trust in local health departments and the CDC has diminished over the past two years.

• A significant portion of adults feel that recent changes to federal vaccine policy are making people less safe, with only a minority believing these changes enhance safety.

• Epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers advises those wishing to receive their annual Covid-19 vaccine to do so sooner rather than later to ensure protection against the summer wave and potential access issues.

• Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo emphasizes the critical need for the availability of Covid-19 vaccines to protect high-risk individuals from severe illness, amid uncertainties about the timing of updated vaccine releases.