Long-Term COVID-19 Harms Prompt Concerns Over Federal Policies

Federal officials declared an end to the national COVID-19 pandemic in May 2023. However, ongoing research continues to reveal the virus's capacity for long-term harm, even following mild initial infections. These findings prompt researchers to express concerns regarding federal COVID-19 policies.

While some studies indicate that COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against long-term health effects, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reportedly reduced recommendations for vaccination and halted contracts aimed at developing more protective vaccines. This occurs as researchers advocate for increased funding and long-term monitoring of previously infected individuals.

"Ongoing research continues to reveal the virus's capacity for long-term harm, even following mild initial infections, prompting researchers to express concerns regarding federal COVID-19 policies."

Persistent Health Complications Identified

New research details a range of persistent health issues linked to COVID-19 infection:

• Neurodevelopmental Risks in Children: Studies following children born to mothers who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy indicate an increased risk for autism, delayed speech and motor development, and other neurodevelopmental challenges. Babies exposed in utero also showed accelerated weight gain in their first year, potentially signaling future metabolic and cardiovascular issues.
• Cognitive Decline: A UK study found that individuals who recovered from mild COVID-19 infections experienced a cognitive deficit equivalent to a three-point IQ drop. For those with persistent symptoms, this deficit increased to a nine-point IQ drop for individuals admitted to intensive care. Epidemiologist Ziyad Al-Aly estimated this could increase the number of U.S. adults with an IQ below 70 by 2.8 million.
• Brain Health: Research indicates that the virus can trigger an immune response in the brain leading to inflammation, potential damage to brain cells, and a reduction in brain volume. Advanced brain imaging has shown significant alterations even in those recovered from mild infections, suggesting lasting effects on brain health. Some studies found significant levels of an Alzheimer's-linked protein in the blood plasma of individuals with neurocognitive issues post-infection.
• Cardiovascular Issues: The inflammatory response linked to COVID-19 has been associated with blood clots, arrhythmias, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular problems, including major cardiac events, which can persist for nearly three years post-infection, even in non-hospitalized cases.
• Cancer Reactivation: A study reported that COVID-19 can reactivate dormant cancer cells and potentially trigger a relapse. Among cancer survivors, there was nearly a twofold increase in cancer mortality for those who tested positive for COVID-19 compared to those who tested negative, particularly within the year following infection.
• Intergenerational Effects: Australian research on male mice found that COVID-19 infection led to changes in sperm that altered offspring behavior, resulting in increased anxiety.

Federal Policy and Economic Impact

The article states that the politicization surrounding COVID-19 may obscure the increasing scientific evidence of the virus's potential for chronic health issues. Scientists emphasize the need for continued research due to long-term economic and societal implications, such as higher healthcare costs and increased demands on social programs.

• The annual global economic burden of COVID-19's long-term health effects is estimated at $1 trillion, with $9,000 per patient in the U.S. Annual lost earnings in the U.S. are estimated at approximately $170 billion.
• Comparatively, the flu was estimated to result in $16 billion in direct health costs and $13 billion in productivity losses during the 2023-2024 season.

Vaccine Access and Official Statements

Despite data suggesting COVID-19 vaccines can mitigate the risk of severe infection and longer-lasting health effects, U.S. vaccination rates remain low, with approximately 17% of adults reporting having received the updated 2025-2026 shot as of January 16.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is cited as having reduced access to COVID-19 vaccines, questioning their safety without substantiated evidence, despite their development during a previous Trump administration.

In May, Kennedy stated on X that the CDC would cease recommending COVID-19 shots for healthy children and pregnant women, citing a lack of clinical data.

The FDA has since issued guidelines limiting the vaccine to individuals 65 or older and those 6 months or older with at least one risk factor, though some states offer broader availability.

The article states that the "Trump administration" also halted nearly $500 million in funding for mRNA-based vaccines, with officials questioning the technology's safety despite extensive clinical trials.

Numerous studies, including new research in 2025, show COVID-19 vaccine benefits include a reduction in disease severity, although protective effects diminish over time.

HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard commented that "Updating CDC guidance and expanding shared clinical decision-making restores informed consent, centers parents and clinicians, and discourages 'one size fits all' policies."