On February 26, 2025, the FDA canceled its upcoming advisory committee meeting traditionally held to select influenza vaccine strains. This decision, communicated via email, surprised experts like Dr. Paul Offit, who noted the committee's historical importance in guiding influenza vaccine updates for nearly six decades. The FDA, however, promised to release its vaccine recommendations without the committee's input. The abrupt cancellation coincided with new data showing the flu vaccine's effectiveness, prompting concerns over transparency and the implications for public health decision-making without expert oversight.
The meeting cancellation has raised concerns about decision-making authority, as it removes essential expert advice from the process of updating flu vaccines.
The FDA stated it will release recommendations for the next flu vaccine, but without the input from the independent advisory committee, raising alarms among experts.
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