A panel of advisers appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined to recommend this fall’s COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone, leaving the choice up to those who want a shot. The divided panel narrowly avoided urging states to require a prescription for the shot. The COVID-19 vaccines are not perfect, but CDC data shows they provide the strongest protection against severe infection and death, even if people still become infected. The panel took up COVID-19 vaccinations as the virus remains a public health threat. The panel had been considering whether to recommend delaying that initial vaccination — something doctors and parents already can choose to do.