KQED's Forum Leading Pediatric Group Splits with CDC Over Vaccine Recommendations
Aug 21, 2025
Michael Osterholm, a renowned epidemiologist and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, discusses the American Academy of Pediatrics' surprising decision to continue recommending COVID-19 vaccines for young children, diverging from CDC guidance. He addresses the implications of federal cuts to vaccine research funding and critiques the motivations behind conflicting health messages. Osterholm emphasizes the urgency for transparency in discussing vaccine safety and the importance of mRNA technology in preparing for future pandemics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Encourage Insurers To Cover Society Recommendations
- Payors should consider covering vaccines beyond the CDC baseline when societies and independent reviews support them.
- Use neutral evidence summaries to justify insurer coverage for recommended vaccines.
mRNA Is A Transformative Vaccine Platform
- Osterholm frames mRNA as a flexible, fast vaccine platform with wide applications beyond COVID.
- He emphasizes mRNA's rapid production advantage crucial during pandemics.
Protect mRNA Funding To Preserve Preparedness
- Preserve public funding for mRNA research to keep U.S. leadership and preparedness for future pandemics.
- Avoid policy moves that discourage private investment in critical vaccine platforms.
