Summer 2025 Vaccine News Roundup: FDA, CDC, and HHS Updates

ACC Issues Vaccine Guidance for People With Heart Disease (August 26, 2025)

The American College of Cardiology issued recommendations for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other vaccinations, emphasizing immunization as a cornerstone of cardiovascular care.

FDA Suspends Valneva’s Chikungunya Vaccine IXCHIQ License (August 25, 2025)

The FDA suspended the license for IXCHIQ after four new serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported, halting US sales while Valneva continues investigations and global distribution.

CDC Confirms Biannual COVID-19 Peaks; ACIP Adjusts Guidance (August 22, 2025)

CDC data confirmed consistent late-summer and winter COVID-19 surges. ACIP shifted to targeted recommendations, including two annual vaccine doses for adults ≥65.

HHS Reinstates Childhood Vaccine Safety Task Force (August 18, 2025)

HHS revived the federal task force on vaccine safety after 27 years, amid rising exemption rates and parental hesitancy.

FDA Lifts Pause on IXCHIQ Use in Adults 60+ (August 8, 2025)

After review, the FDA allowed resumed use of IXCHIQ in adults ≥60, adding updated prescribing warnings about SAE risk in older adults with comorbidities.

Rising COVID-19 Cases Spark Concern Over Narrow Booster Access (August 5, 2025)

Experts warned of a late-summer surge due to low vaccine uptake (23% of adults, 16% of children) and booster restrictions that limited broader protection.

HHS Approves Removal of Thimerosal From Flu Vaccines (July 24, 2025)

Following ACIP’s recommendation, thimerosal is being removed from influenza vaccines, with officials aiming to strengthen parental confidence in vaccine safety.

COVID-19 Boosters Cut Hospitalizations in People With Cancer (July 17, 2025)

A large US study showed booster vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization risk in adults undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

FDA Approves Prefilled Syringe Format for Shingrix (July 17, 2025)

The new format for GSK’s shingles vaccine eliminates reconstitution, simplifying administration and supporting broader uptake among older adults.

Danish Study Reinforces Aluminum Vaccine Safety (July 16, 2025)

Research found no association between aluminum adjuvants in childhood vaccines and autism, asthma, or other health outcomes, reinforcing their safety profile.

FDA Authorizes Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 Months–11 Years (July 11, 2025)

Moderna’s updated Spikevax will be available for children under 12 for the upcoming respiratory virus season.

Monoclonal Antibody Shows Strong COVID-19 Prevention Efficacy (June 29, 2025)

Invivyd’s pemivibart (Pemgarda) demonstrated 84% relative risk reduction of symptomatic COVID-19 vs placebo in phase 3 trials.

ACIP June 2025 Meeting: Targeted Vaccination Strategy Adopted (June 25, 2025)

ACIP endorsed a shift away from universal vaccination toward population-specific recommendations, with two annual doses recommended for adults ≥65.