The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has canceled a meeting with its advisory committee on selecting next season’s flu vaccine strains, citing no explanation. The move comes as the Philadelphia region struggles with a particularly severe flu season, with over 29,000 infections reported in the first week of February.
Public health experts are worried about the Trump administration’s approach to annual flu efforts, which has raised concerns about funding cuts and reduced communication at federal health agencies. This year’s uptick in flu cases is adding to fears about the government’s ability to protect the public with vaccines.
Renowned vaccine expert Paul Offit expressed concern over the cancellation, saying there was no explanation given for the move. Typically, the advisory committee meets annually to determine which flu strains will be targeted by next season’s vaccines.
Despite the FDA’s assurances that it will make its recommendations public in time for updated vaccines, experts are concerned about how the agency plans to select a flu strain without the meeting. The cancellation comes as anti-vaccination sentiment and declining childhood vaccination rates continue to rise.
According to Dr. Perry Halkitis, dean of Rutgers University’s School of Public Health, the decreased rates are likely contributing to higher flu cases. He emphasized the importance of vaccinations in protecting against severe illness and contagiousness, and stressed that local and state health departments can provide guidance on vaccinations during a severe flu season.
With about 40,000 people dying from flu each year, experts urge the public to take the risks seriously and prioritize vaccinations. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccines in protecting against serious illnesses, and experts warn that complacency can lead to higher mortality rates.
Source: https://www.inquirer.com/health/philadelphia-influenza-cdc-vaccine-meeting-20250303.html