Transcript: FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary on
CBS4 days
FDA Commissioner Defends Shift in COVID Vaccine Guidance
Above: Dr. Martin Makary, Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration speaks onstage during The Semafor 2025 World Economy Summit - Day 2 at Conrad Washington on April 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Image copyright: Tasos Katopodis/Stringer/Getty Images Entertainment for Semafor via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The new approach represents a necessary correction to overly broad vaccine recommendations that weren't supported by clinical data. The previous one-size-fits-all policy ignored that 88% of parents already declined COVID shots for their children last season. Moving to a risk-based approach that emphasizes individual doctor-patient decisions brings U.S. policy in line with other developed nations.
Democratic narrative
This abrupt policy change dangerously bypasses established scientific review processes and could harm vulnerable populations. CDC data shows that pregnant women face increased risks from COVID infection, and 41% of children hospitalized with COVID had no underlying conditions. The decision appears politically motivated rather than evidence-based and may reduce vaccine access for those who need it.