The American Pharmacists Association is withholding its endorsement of the latest adult immunization schedule issued by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
After recent updates by HHS and CDC removed the recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, the APhA said the decision contradicts scientific evidence, adding that pregnancy remains a high-risk condition and that vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, according to a June 9 news release from the association.
The group emphasized that pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and pregnancy complications such as preterm birth or still birth.
The APhA’s stance follows recent regulatory shifts from the FDA after in May, the agency released a new framework for COVID-19 vaccines that maintains existing approval processes for high-risk groups but requires stronger clinical evidence of clinical benefit before approving the vaccine for individuals younger than 65.
