LISTEN: Measles. Chickenpox. Meningitis. Many vaccines can run more than $100 a dose out-of-pocket. Jackie Fortiér tells WAMU’s “Health Hub” how Trump administration changes to the federal vaccine guidelines could make some routine shots too expensive for families.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, replaced the members of a federal vaccine advisory committee in June. The committee plays an important role in recommending vaccines, and its guidance influences the coverage decisions insurance companies make.
KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér appeared on WAMU’s “Health Hub” on Aug. 27 to explain why confusion over federal immunization policy has left parents and pediatricians uncertain about future access to childhood immunizations, especially for those on Medicaid.
By Jackie Fortiér September 2, 2025
Article HTML
We encourage organizations to republish our content, free of charge. Here’s what we ask:
You must credit us as the original publisher, with a hyperlink to our kffhealthnews.org site. If possible, please include the original author(s) and KFF Health News” in the byline. Please preserve the hyperlinks in the story.
It’s important to note, not everything on kffhealthnews.org is available for republishing. If a story is labeled “All Rights Reserved,” we cannot grant permission to republish that item.
Have questions? Let us know at KHNHelp@kff.org