FDA Vaccine Official Restricted COVID Vaccine Approvals

WASHINGTON (AP) — A top official at the Food and Drug Administration recently overruled government scientists on the availability of two COVID-19 vaccines. Newly released documents show the FDA’s vaccine chief, Dr. Vinay Prasad, intervened to restrict approval of two new shots from vaccine makers Novavax and Moderna. FDA staff reviewers recommended the shots be approved for anyone 12 and older. But the FDA memos show Prasad limited the use to seniors and certain higher-risk Americans. It’s the latest in a series of vaccine restrictions imposed by officials working under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.