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Family physicians' group urges broader COVID-19 vaccine access, diverging from federal guidelines

September 9, 2025

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) issued a recommendation that all adults aged 18 and older, children, and pregnant individuals should receive COVID-19 vaccines, directly opposing FDA’s recent decision to limit updated vaccine eligibility to those 65 and older or with underlying health conditions.

AAFP’s Chief Medical Officer Margot Savoy emphasized the historical success of vaccines in preventing serious diseases and stressed the importance of continued vaccination to protect public health. This stance aligns AAFP with other medical organizations that have also broken from federal guidance, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), both of which advocate for broader vaccine access for children and pregnant people.

ACOG specifically recommends that pregnant and lactating individuals receive updated COVID-19 boosters, citing the increased risks respiratory illnesses pose during pregnancy. In response to these diverging recommendations, the Department of Health and Human Services reaffirmed its support for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), stating that U.S. immunization policy will continue to be based on "rigorous scientific evidence." The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions between federal agencies and medical associations over how best to manage COVID-19 vaccination strategies as the pandemic evolves.

AAFP fall 2025 immunization recommendations

The following guidance was released in a media statement on September 8, 2025.

COVID-19:

• All adults 18+ should receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Especially recommended for adults 65+, those at higher risk, and individuals who have never been vaccinated.
• Children 6 to 23 months should be vaccinated; a risk-based single-dose approach is advised for ages 2 to 18 years.
• Vaccination is recommended during any trimester of pregnancy and during lactation.

RSV:

• One-time RSV vaccine for adults 75+ and for those 50 to 74 with risk factors.
• Pregnant individuals should receive Abrysvo between 32 to 36 weeks’ gestation (Sept–Jan).
• Infants under 8 months without maternal protection should receive nirsevimab or clesrovimab.

Influenza:

• Annual flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older, using an age-appropriate formulation.

Sources:

O’Connell-Domenech, A. (2025, September 9). The Hill. AAFP contradicts FDA on COVID-19 vaccine guidelines. https://thehill.com/homenews/5493603-aafp-recommends-covid-vaccines/

Holwick, E. (Media Contact). (2025, September 8). AAFP Announces Fall Immunization Recommendations, Reaffirming Commitment to Vaccine Safety and Public Health [Press Release]. https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/statements/aafp-announces-fall-immunization-recommendations-reaffirming-commitment-to-vaccine-safety-and-public-health.html