US ends promotion and procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for routine immunization program

The United States also reaffirms that it will not provide U.S. Government funding to the World Health Organization through Gavi. The Australian Government committed $100 million over five years starting 2023, splitting funds into voluntary core support and emergency program reserves with an additional $8m a year annual membership

From US Department of Health and Human Services

The United States is committed to advancing global health in a manner that reflects American interests, scientific integrity, and accountability to the American people. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States has made clear that American taxpayer dollars must support transparent, evidence-based programs that deliver measurable health outcomes.

Last year, President Trump directed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage directly with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), and secure meaningful reforms before the United States would consider future support. Those discussions resulted in significant commitments that strengthen vaccine safety, improve public health, and better align Gavi’s work with the principles of Gold Standard Science and transparency. Based on those commitments, the United States will immediately release all $600 million in Congressionally appropriated funds to Gavi for both FY25 and FY26.

Gavi has committed to work towards transitioning mercury-containing vaccines and expanding access to newer, mercury-free alternatives. Specifically, in partnership with Gavi’s Board and countries, Gavi will make every effort to:

• transition mercury-containing meningococcal A vaccines with mercury-free vaccines that protect against additional meningococcal strains;
• transition mercury-containing pentavalent DTP-Hib-HepB vaccines to mercury-free hexavalent vaccines that also protect against polio;
• transition mercury-containing pneumococcal vaccines to mercury-free vaccines that protect against additional pneumococcal strains; and
• transition mercury-containing hepatitis B vaccines to mercury-free alternatives.

The Administration believes reducing reliance on mercury-containing vaccines, where suitable alternatives are available, is a pro-vaccine, pro-innovation policy. The United States and the European Union removed mercury from most childhood vaccines 25 years ago. As of June 2025, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices no longer recommends any mercury-containing vaccines. Children in Africa, Asia, and Latin America deserve access to the same higher-quality, mercury-free vaccines, and these changes will also expand protection against additional disease strains.

Achieving these transitions will require manufacturers to expand production capacity, countries to adopt newer vaccine formulations, and Gavi’s governing Board to complete the necessary approvals. The United States recognizes these implementation challenges but welcomes Gavi’s commitment to work toward these goals through transparent governance and responsible stewardship.

Gavi has already implemented additional reforms requested by the United States including:

• Ending the promotion and procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for routine immunization programs; and
• Finalizing extensive operational reforms including the reorganization and downsizing of staff in Geneva and instituting a partnership accountability framework that decreases funding for and reforms Gavi’s engagement with other partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

Gavi has further committed to establishing an integrated and dedicated Secretariat function to monitor and review developments in vaccine science, including vaccine safety. In addition, given the sizeable contribution the United States is making to improve access to vaccines, the United States expects to resume its place on the Gavi Board. In this role, the United States will continue to hold Gavi accountable for measurable progress toward these commitments. It will evaluate any future U.S. support based on demonstrated performance, accountability, and implementation of these reforms.

The United States also reaffirms that it will not provide U.S. Government funding to the World Health Organization through Gavi.

President Trump has made clear that American leadership in global health must be rooted in accountability, scientific excellence, and measurable results. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of State will continue to ensure that U.S. global health programs and partnerships uphold Gold Standard Science, rigorous independent review, transparency, responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, and better health outcomes around the world.