Dads Caucus

Gomez: “I call on health care insurers to keep these COVID vaccines accessible and free at the point of care”

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Chairman of the Congressional Dads Caucus, released the following statement in response to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s unilateral decision to roll back COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant moms:

“Secretary Kennedy’s decision is a dangerous step backward that puts families at risk.

“These vaccines remain crucial for kids and pregnant moms, and stripping these vaccine recommendations doesn’t remove the threat—it removes access. 

He’s also taking away parents’ ability to decide if their child gets the booster — because that choice now depends on their ability to pay. Families shouldn’t have to pay steep out-of-pocket costs for a life-saving vaccine because of politics. 

“I call on health care insurers to keep these vaccines accessible and free at the point of care—regardless of bureaucratic decisions.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, private insurers are required to cover vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Secretary Kennedy is undermining long-held, independent, and evidence-based approval processes by unilaterally making this decision before ACIP has even met to determine its recommendations for COVID vaccinations this year.

As Dads Caucus Chairman, Rep. Gomez is leading a growing coalition of more than 45 members—including three senators: Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Adam Schiff (D-CA)—in advocating for family-friendly policies that help working families afford their mortgages, rent, child care, and everyday essentials.

The Congressional Dads Caucus provides a forum for members of Congress to push legislation that supports working families. Founded soon after the Speaker vote in the 118th Congress, the Dads Caucus is fighting for policy solutions that help working families thrive and make America more affordable—including creating a national paid leave program, increasing access to affordable child care, and expanding the Child Tax Credit to ensure working parents have the resources they need to provide for their families. Learn more about the Dads Caucus here and read the Dads Caucus 118th Congress report here.