Inside the FDAs vaccine uproar
3 minute readPublished: Monday, December 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm
FDA Official's Controversial Stance on Vaccine Safety Sparks Internal Conflict
A significant internal dispute has erupted within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding vaccine safety and approval processes. The controversy centers around Vinay Prasad, head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, who has sent an internal memo expressing concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in children.
Prasad's memo claims that COVID vaccines have caused the deaths of children, citing reports from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). However, critics, including former FDA commissioners, argue that VAERS is a crowdsourced system and not a definitive source of proof. They also point out that Prasad's claims are based on what they consider weak and misleading science.
Prasad's proposed changes to vaccine approval processes include requiring large, placebo-controlled randomized trials for all new vaccines, a move that many experts deem unethical, especially for vaccines known to be effective. He also advocates for a shift in the FDA's worldview, suggesting that staff who disagree with his core principles should resign.
These proposals have sparked alarm among former FDA leaders, who warn that Prasad's actions could undermine public trust in vaccines, slow down vaccine updates, and lead to preventable outbreaks. They also express concern that his views align with those of anti-vaccine activists.
The FDA's investigation into deaths caused by COVID vaccines is still ongoing, and there is no final count yet of those deaths.
BNN's Perspective:
This internal conflict within the FDA highlights the delicate balance between scientific rigor, public health, and public trust. While it is crucial to thoroughly investigate any potential safety concerns, it is equally important to ensure that decisions are based on sound scientific evidence and that the public is not misled by unsubstantiated claims. The FDA must maintain its commitment to evidence-based science to ensure the continued success of the childhood vaccine program.
Keywords: FDA, vaccines, COVID-19, Vinay Prasad, vaccine safety, VAERS, vaccine approval, public health, childhood vaccines, myocarditis, placebo-controlled trials, vaccine mandates, vaccine hesitancy, former FDA commissioners