FDA Vaccine Chief Criticism 2025: Former Leaders Slam Prasad Memo on Vaccine Safety
In a powerful open letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine, twelve former FDA commissioners and acting commissioners – from both Republican and Democratic administrations – have strongly criticized an internal memo by current vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad. They argue that the Vinay Prasad FDA memo spreads unfounded doubts about vaccine safety and could jeopardize public health.
The memo, which has not been released publicly, reportedly claims without evidence that COVID-19 vaccines caused ten child deaths. Former leaders stress that such reports come from a surveillance system that cannot prove causation, and previous thorough reviews found no link. They warn that the proposed shifts represent a “major departure” from established science.
What the Former FDA Leaders Vaccine Memo Criticizes
The ex-officials highlight several alarming proposals in the former FDA leaders vaccine memo response:
- Revising how annual flu and COVID vaccine updates are evaluated
- Greater focus on unproven risks of multiple vaccines given together
- Less transparency in the approval process
- Slower innovation for safer, more effective vaccines
They emphasize that decades of research show vaccines are safe and effective, dramatically reducing severe illness and death from respiratory viruses.
“These directives would disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections.”
RFK Jr Vaccine Changes: The Bigger Picture
The controversy arrives amid broader RFK Jr vaccine changes under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic. Kennedy has already replaced key CDC advisory members and removed officials who disagreed with his views. Critics fear these moves erode public trust and could lower vaccination rates.
The COVID vaccine child deaths claim in Prasad’s memo echoes long-debunked concerns. Scientists say no evidence supports ideas that vaccines overwhelm immune systems or cause cumulative harm in children.
Potential Impact on Public Health
Experts worry that slowing vaccine updates could leave populations vulnerable during flu seasons or new COVID variants. Reduced transparency might fuel misinformation, making parents hesitant about routine childhood immunizations. Lower vaccination rates historically lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases.
What Happens Next
The CDC vaccine advisory committee meets this week to discuss topics like newborn hepatitis B shots. Public health advocates call for evidence-based policy, not ideology. Many expect legal challenges or congressional scrutiny if changes proceed.
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