PFID Statement in Response to Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Cancellation

February 27, 2025

The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease released the following statement Thursday in response to the FDA’s announcement canceling the next Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting:

"The abrupt cancellation of the FDA’s next vaccine advisory committee meeting is a deeply concerning development that could delay and disrupt a critical step in production of the annual flu vaccine. The panel is not a formality. It serves as a key moment of transparency in the process of ensuring flu vaccines are safely and effectively formulated to protect millions of Americans from life-threatening illness. This is an opportunity for Americans to see the data and understand why strains are selected.

“Canceling transparency and public expert committees undermines vaccine confidence and sows doubt in a process that has long safeguarded public health. The consequences are not theoretical. They’re deadly. Amid a growing outbreak in West Texas, the first U.S. measles death in a decade is a heartbreaking reminder of what happens when immunization rates falter.

“Decisions about vaccines must be rooted in evidence. Canceling transparent independent scientific review risks Americans’ health. The FDA must act swiftly to reschedule this meeting, reaffirm its commitment to enhance health through science, and prevent disruptions like this from becoming routine.”