FDA Blocks Studies on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

The FDA has blocked the publication of studies that found COVID-19 and shingles vaccines to be safe, according to multiple reports. These studies were conducted by agency scientists using millions of patient records.

According to The New York Times, two studies on COVID-19 vaccines were accepted for publication in medical journals but were later withdrawn by FDA officials. One study examined vaccine safety in people over 65 and found that serious side effects were rare, with anaphylaxis affecting roughly one in a million recipients of the Pfizer vaccine.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed the withdrawals, stating that the studies drew broad conclusions not supported by the underlying data. The FDA acted to protect the integrity of its scientific process, according to The Guardian.

Critics argue that these actions align with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance. Under his leadership, federal health agencies have softened COVID shot recommendations and cut back research on vaccine development. Employees have also raised concerns about management at the FDA under Marty Makary's leadership, according to CNBC.