Last updated: February 14, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Trump Official Blocks Moderna Flu Shot Despite Scientists' OK
📰 What Happened
Vinay Prasad, who works for President Trump at the FDA, stopped scientists from reviewing Moderna's new flu vaccine. Career scientists at the FDA wanted to review it and even wrote a memo explaining why they disagreed with blocking it, but Prasad rejected the vaccine anyway.
💡 Why It Matters
The FDA scientists said Moderna followed all the rules and did everything the agency asked. Prasad didn't find problems with Moderna's vaccine itself - he just didn't like which vaccine they used for comparison in their tests. This means a political appointee overruled experienced scientists who review vaccines for a living.
🔮 What Happens Next
Moderna will have to decide whether to do more tests to satisfy Prasad's demands or challenge his decision. Congress may investigate why a political appointee overruled career scientists.
📚 Sources
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