Embattled top US vaccine official Vinay Prasad to step down

He was criticised by scientists and former health officials over decisions related to health policy. Read more at straitstimes.com.

WASHINGTON - A top official who oversaw vaccines at the US Food and Drug Administration will leave his post at the end of April, the agency’s chief confirmed on March 6.

Dr Vinay Prasad was appointed as the FDA’s chief medical officer in 2025 but had since drawn criticism from scientists and former health officials over decisions related to health policy, particularly surrounding the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine.

FDA commissioner Marty Makary said that Dr Prasad “will be returning back to his academic home later next month”, and praised him for getting “a tremendous amount accomplished” during his one-year sabbatical from the University of California, San Francisco.

“I want to thank him for his service and personal sacrifice to take time away from his family,” Dr Makary wrote on X, noting the agency will name Dr Prasad’s successor before his departure.

Dr Prasad’s exit follows a string of controversies, including an instance in February in which he refused to review Moderna’s application for a new mRNA flu vaccine. The FDA later reversed course and agreed to review the request.

He has also raised doubts about the safety of the Covid-19 vaccine despite global health authorities saying the vaccines are considered safe and effective.