What's happened
A recent CDC report indicates Covid vaccines significantly reduce severe illness in children, with 76% effectiveness in under 4s and 56% in older children. The data counters recent political claims questioning vaccine safety amid ongoing investigations into pediatric deaths.
What's behind the headline?
The report underscores the vaccine's substantial protection for children, directly challenging recent political narratives that have cast doubt on vaccine safety. The data, derived from a large, multi-state sample, shows a 76% reduction in severe Covid among children under 4 and 56% among those aged 5 to 17, indicating that the vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness.
The political context complicates public health messaging. Kennedy's claims that Covid shots are 'the deadliest vaccine ever made' contrast sharply with the CDC's findings, which demonstrate clear benefits. The investigation into pediatric deaths, including about ten linked to vaccines, appears to be driven by political motives rather than scientific consensus, which continues to affirm vaccine safety.
Moving forward, the data should bolster vaccination efforts, especially as influenza cases surge early this year in Israel, with a fivefold increase compared to last year. The rising flu severity and recent pediatric deaths highlight the importance of vaccination, despite political controversies. Public health authorities must communicate these findings effectively to counter misinformation and improve vaccine uptake among children.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the CDC's recent data shows Covid vaccines cut the risk of severe illness in children by over 50%, directly challenging claims by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has called the vaccines 'the deadliest ever.' The report analyzed electronic health records from nine states, involving over 97,000 pediatric visits, and found significant protection against severe Covid outcomes.
Meanwhile, the same publication notes that the investigation into pediatric deaths linked to Covid vaccines, initiated by Kennedy's claims, has so far identified about ten cases, with myocarditis being a key concern. The CDC maintains that these cases are rare and that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
Contrasting this, the Times of Israel reports an early and severe flu season in Israel, with cases five times higher than last year, including critical cases among children. Experts there emphasize the importance of flu vaccination, which remains underutilized, with less than 15% coverage among Israeli healthcare fund members. The rising flu severity underscores the ongoing need for vaccination despite political debates around Covid vaccines.
How we got here
The CDC analyzed electronic health records from nine states, focusing on pediatric visits from August 2024 to September 2025. The study involved over 97,000 children and assessed vaccine effectiveness against severe Covid outcomes. The investigation follows political controversy, notably from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has questioned vaccine safety and restricted access for certain groups.
Go deeper
- What do experts say about the safety of Covid vaccines for children?
- How might political debates influence future vaccination policies?
- What are the implications of the flu surge in Israel for other countries?
More on these topics
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Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954), also known by his initials RFK Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving as the 26th United States secretary of health and human