US Senators Express Concerns Over FDA’s Decision to Cancel a Critical Meeting Amidst the Worst Flu Season in 15 Years.
Three US Senators – Patty Murray, Tammy Baldwin, and Angela Alsobrooks – have expressed grave concerns over the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to cancel a critical meeting with the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC).
The VRBPAC meeting was scheduled for March 13 to discuss and recommend influenza strains for the upcoming flu vaccines. However, in a letter sent on Friday to Dr. Marty Makary, President Trump’s nominee for FDA Commissioner, the senators criticized the cancellation.
They argued that the annual meeting is crucial for public health, as it provides recommendations on flu vaccine effectiveness. According to the CDC, this year’s flu season has already seen 33 million illnesses and 19,000 deaths, with vaccines proving effective in reducing hospitalizations by 41% in young children and 82% in adults.
The senators also pointed out that a delay in the VRBPAC meeting could impact the availability and effectiveness of flu vaccines. Furthermore, they questioned Dr. Makary’s stance on public health leadership, urging him to clarify his position on vaccine skepticism during his upcoming nomination hearing.
As part of their inquiry, the senators requested that Dr. Makary be prepared to address questions regarding the rescheduling of the VRBPAC meeting and his commitment to accepting expert recommendations for vaccine development. The hearing is scheduled to take place on March 6.
Source: https://komonews.com/news/politics/senators-question-fda-nominee-on-canceled-flu-shot-meeting-amid-severe-flu-season