New guidelines could limit access to COVID-19 vaccine this fall

(CNN, KYMA/KECY) - As students head back to school, parents may be wondering whether their child should get the COVID-19 vaccine while federal officials in the U.S. say the vaccines remain available to everyone new guidelines, released last week, could limit access to the shot this year.

This year's COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults 65 and older and younger people with certain medical conditions. Until now, COVID vaccines were available to anyone six months and older.

"The FDA's decision does not affect the availability of COVID vaccines for Americans who want them," said Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary.

But the decision is sparking outrage from many health professionals.

"I have to say we have entered a dangerous time for U.S. health and security," said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist.

Susan Kressly, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in part, "As we enter respiratory virus season, any barrier to COVID-19 vaccination creates a dangerous vulnerability for children and their families."

Many are wondering if the decision was political a U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long said he wants to end COVID mandates.

"There's an attempt to retrofit data to actually support policy decisions that were not come to through any scientific process," said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC.

Dr. Daskalakis and three other senior officials resigned from the CDC last week following several tumultuous months for the health agency including staff reductions, budget cuts, a recent shooting at CDC headquarters.

In addition, the new director, Dr. Susan Monarez, was fired by the White House after less a month on the job.

"We;re not prepared for that next outbreak. We were but we're not right now," said Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned from the CDC.

The map shows the most recent CDC data of wastewater viral activity levels of the virus that causes COVID-19. The darker blues indicate higher viral activity levels.

All of this coming as students return to school and the start of flu season around the corner.