A planned meeting of FDA vaccine advisers to determine influenza vaccine formulations for the upcoming season has been called off, according to committee member Paul Offit. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia pediatrics professor expressed concern that the mid-March meeting was canceled without any plans for rescheduling or explanation provided.
This marks the second disruption to federal vaccine advisory meetings since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed the role of Health and Human Services Secretary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently postponed its vaccine advisory committee meeting, citing the need for additional public comment periods. Sources indicate Kennedy is evaluating potential changes to vaccine panel membership.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ medical director Robert Hopkins warned that interrupting the advisory process could significantly impact public health, particularly at a time when vaccine confidence and accessibility are crucial concerns.
During his confirmation process, Kennedy pledged to operate within existing vaccine safety and approval frameworks, despite his history of questioning vaccine safety and efficacy. Before his appointment, he led Children’s Health Defense, an organization known for promoting debunked claims linking vaccines to autism.
The now-canceled FDA meeting traditionally occurs each March to review World Health Organization recommendations and advise on which flu strains should be targeted in vaccines for the fall and winter season. An HHS spokesperson confirmed via email that the FDA would still provide manufacturers with recommendations in time for 2025-26 flu season preparation.
The timing coincides with this week’s WHO meeting to discuss Northern Hemisphere influenza strain targets for the 2025-26 season. Despite President Donald Trump’s executive order withdrawing the United States from WHO, FDA and CDC officials are participating virtually in these discussions, according to STAT’s reporting.
The meeting cancellations follow Kennedy’s controversial appointment as HHS Secretary. His past statements promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric and questioning established vaccine science have raised concerns among public health experts. As the founder and former chair of Children’s Health Defense, Kennedy consistently challenged mainstream vaccine policies and safety studies.
The annual FDA advisory committee meeting plays a crucial role in public health preparedness, helping determine which influenza strains should be included in seasonal vaccines. This guidance enables pharmaceutical companies to begin production months ahead of the typical autumn and winter flu season.
The disruption to both FDA and CDC vaccine advisory meetings has created uncertainty in the public health community. While HHS maintains the FDA will still provide necessary guidance to vaccine manufacturers, the cancelation of formal advisory proceedings represents a departure from established protocols for vaccine strain selection and recommendations.
These developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to maintain public confidence in vaccines while ensuring timely preparation for seasonal influenza. The WHO’s Northern Hemisphere recommendations typically inform vaccine composition decisions for many countries, including the United States, making coordination between international and domestic health organizations particularly important.
The situation highlights growing tensions between established public health processes and new leadership at HHS, raising questions about potential changes to vaccine advisory procedures. While Kennedy’s office has affirmed commitment to existing frameworks, the
cancellation of key advisory meetings has prompted concern among health professionals about the potential impact on vaccine development and distribution timelines.