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ATLANTA — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday its advisory committee is set to meet on March 12 to discuss and make recommendations on the strain composition of flu vaccines for use during the 2026-2027 season.
Last year, the meeting was canceled, one of many disruptions to vaccine-related advisory panels under health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has overseen sweeping restructurings at the FDA and CDC, moves that have resulted in the removal of multiple senior public‑health officials and career scientists.
Public health experts and lawmakers raised concerns about the cancellation, which was unusual for the annual process that helps manufacturers prepare for the next flu season.
Instead of holding the usual public advisory panel vote, the FDA made the strain selection internally and issued recommendations directly to manufacturers.
The committee advises the FDA by reviewing vaccine safetyand effectiveness data and recommending whether vaccines should be approved, updated, or modified.
