Novavax (NVAX) shares plunged 5.07% in intraday trading on Friday, as reports surfaced that Trump administration health officials are planning to link coronavirus vaccines to the deaths of 25 children. This development has sent shockwaves through the vaccine industry, with Novavax being one of the companies significantly affected.

According to a Washington Post report, citing four anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Trump health officials are considering restricting which Americans should receive COVID-19 shots based on these findings. The information appears to be derived from the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which contains unverified reports of vaccine side effects. This potential move has raised concerns about the future of vaccine distribution and public perception of vaccine safety.

The news has had a broad impact on vaccine manufacturers, with Moderna experiencing a more than 7% drop, while Pfizer and Novavax both slipped nearly 3%. The market reaction underscores the sensitivity of vaccine stocks to regulatory news and public health policy changes. As the situation continues to develop, investors and the public alike will be closely watching for any official statements or policy changes that could further impact vaccine manufacturers and distribution efforts.