The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made its recommendations for influenza vaccine strains for the 2025-2026 flu season, moving away from traditional advisory committee voting. The agency announced the decision on Thursday, stating it does not foresee any impact on the timing or availability of vaccines for the public.
This move comes as the US is experiencing a high flu rate, with levels near or exceeding those seen in at least 15 years. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services earlier this year despite his criticism of agencies under his supervision, has denied being “anti-vaccine” and stated he would not prevent Americans from getting vaccinated.
The FDA’s recommendation is scheduled to be reviewed by its Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on the same day it was announced, but the meeting was canceled.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-fda-makes-recommendations-influenza-235345827.html