COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 27 states, according to the CDC's latest estimates, while free vaccines for children in the federal Vaccines for Children program remain unavailable weeks after updated shots were approved. The program covers about half of U.S. children, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, or eligible for Medicaid, CNN reported.
Until states can order those doses, many of these children cannot get an updated shot at no cost from their pediatrician, even though doctors and pharmacies have been able to buy doses for privately insured children. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the CDC posted its 2026-2027 COVID vaccine guidance, and HHS has said the CDC is finalizing decisions on buying vaccines through the children's program.
