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FDA Chief Limits COVID Vaccine Approvals Amid Controversy

7/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA's vaccine chief, has made a controversial move by overruling scientists to limit COVID-19 vaccine approvals for Novavax and Moderna to high-risk groups only. He pointed to falling death rates and concerns over side effects, highlighting the persistent vaccine skepticism under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., even as COVID-19 remains a serious threat.

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Story summary

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA's vaccine chief, has made a controversial move by overruling scientists to limit COVID-19 vaccine approvals for Novavax and Moderna to high-risk groups only. He pointed to falling death rates and concerns over side effects, highlighting the persistent vaccine skepticism under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., even as COVID-19 remains a serious threat.