FDA names Vinay Prasad as new head of vaccines, biologics
7 May, 2025
What are Dr. Vinay Prasad’s views on vaccines?
Dr. Vinay Prasad, a hematologist-oncologist and professor at UCSF, was appointed director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), overseeing vaccine regulation. While he recognizes COVID-19 vaccines as life-saving, he has publicly criticized several related policies:
- Mandates and Childhood Vaccination: Prasad opposes vaccine mandates for children and the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccines in the routine childhood schedule, citing insufficient randomized trial evidence.
- Trial Standards: He advocates for stricter clinical trial requirements for boosters and updated vaccines, warning that regulatory shortcuts may erode public trust.
- Safety Concerns: He has highlighted risks such as myocarditis in young males (following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination) and calls for these to be carefully weighed in policymaking.
- Manufacturer Liability: Prasad supports repealing the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) to allow lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, arguing it would promote accountability and safer products.
Dr. Paul Offit, a leading pediatric vaccine expert, holds the opposite view. He supports retaining NCVIA protections, arguing they are essential to prevent manufacturer withdrawal, ensure vaccine supply, and maintain public health. He views the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program as a balanced mechanism to address rare adverse events without jeopardizing vaccine production.
