RFK Jr. Influence Evident As Vaccine Chief Overrules Scientists, Limits COVID-19 Vaccine Approval

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top vaccine official, overruled agency scientists to limit approval of two COVID-19 vaccines, despite internal recommendations to clear them for broader use.

The decision reflects a growing pattern of vaccine restrictions under the leadership of the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

FDA scientists had recommended full approval for updated COVID vaccines from Novavax Inc. (NASDAQ:NVAX) and Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) for individuals aged 12 and older, citing favorable risk-benefit analyses.

Also Read: Novavax’s Experimental COVID-19-Influenza Combo Shot Shows Immune Response Among Older Adults In Phase 3 Trial

However, citing federal documents released Wednesday, ABC News reported that Prasad restricted the shots to those at higher ...