The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused to review Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine developed with Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology, marking a significant shift in the agency's approach to vaccine approval.
The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of vaccines under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been critical of mRNA technology both before and after his appointment. Since taking office, Kennedy has terminated hundreds of millions of dollars worth of grants aimed at developing mRNA technology.
The FDA's decision comes amid broader changes to vaccine guidance under Kennedy's leadership, including rollbacks in recommendations for routine vaccines and new guidance on childhood immunization.
Bill Handel called out RFK Jr., saying that he does not believe in vaccines.
"It's gonna be an interesting three years, by the way. And this is truly the death of a thousand cuts because he will not admit that he is anti vaccine anymore," Handel said during his radio show on Thursday (February 12).