A group of vaccine advisers voted unanimously to end the CDC’s recommendation for Americans ages 6 months and older to receive annual COVID-19 shots. The 12-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) stated that receiving the vaccine should now be a personal choice, with decisions based on “shared clinical decision-making” between patients or guardians and healthcare providers.

Federal vaccine programs will continue to cover CDC policies, and major insurers pledged to maintain coverage for the vaccines through at least 2026 regardless of the committee’s recent vote. The panel also decided against requiring prescriptions for the COVID-19 vaccine, citing concerns about creating unnecessary barriers. Additionally, members approved guidelines for states to provide patients with materials outlining at least six risks associated with the shots.

The shift follows the FDA’s decision to narrow vaccine approvals to individuals over 65 or those with underlying medical conditions. ACIP Chair Dr. Martin Kulldorff broke a 6-6 deadlock on prescription requirements, while some members expressed safety and efficacy concerns, particularly for pregnant women and their babies.

The vote comes after recent changes to U.S. vaccine policy, including the CDC’s removal of recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women, and FDA restrictions on who can receive updated jabs. While government insurance plans will likely cover vaccines, private insurers’ coverage remains uncertain. Four Democratic states recently encouraged broad vaccination efforts, diverging from federal guidelines.