Pfizer CEO dismisses HHS assertions of hidden safety issues on mRNA vaccines as baseless
Updated Covid-19 Vaccine Policy in the US Clarified by Pfizer Executive
Pfizer's CEO, Dr. Albert Bourla, has offered his perspective on the proposed changes to the policy on Covid-19 vaccines in the US, as the FDA intends to narrow vaccine eligibility and recommendations. In an interview on Friday, Bourla expressed concerns over the new approach and emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
The proposed modifications will primarily target individuals aged 65 and above, as well as those between 12 and 64 with underlying medical conditions, for Covid-19 vaccines. People under 65 without risk factors will need to participate in randomized controlled trials to assess vaccine efficacy. This new framework aims to offer more conclusive evidence on the benefits of the vaccines for this particular population.
The shift in policy differs from previous years when Covid-19 vaccines were recommended for everyone aged 6 months and up. This adjustment also comes as other high-income countries have focused their efforts on older adults and high-risk individuals. Consequently, concerns have been raised regarding limited access to vaccines for millions of Americans, creating potential logistical challenges and barriers for those seeking vaccination.
During a conference focusing on cancer research, Bourla underscored the proven effectiveness of mRNA technology in the development of Covid-19 vaccines, countering the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) stance that mRNA technology remains undertested. HHS canceled over $590 million in federal funding meant for Moderna to develop pandemic influenza vaccines, including those against H5 avian flu viruses, citing safety concerns and the underdeveloped state of the technology.
In addition to the changes in Covid-19 vaccine policy, the U.S. CDC announced that vaccines will no longer be recommended for pregnant women and healthy children on the dosing schedule. This announcement further complicates access for certain groups and raises questions about potential increases in illnesses like measles and pertussis as a result.
Bourla cited other areas of agreement between his company and the Biden administration, such as addressing the "pill penalty" and working to curb the role of pharmacy benefit managers in drug pricing. However, he expressed concern over the administration's proposed 40% budget cut for the National Institutes of Health, arguing that such a move could weaken the US's position as a leading scientific force and benefit its global competitors instead.
In the face of the administration's proposed changes, Bourla acknowledged that Pfizer would consider legal action if necessary, but he emphasized his preference for dialogue rather than dispute. Despite any disagreements, he emphasized that the White House remains open to discussions and engages actively with Pfizer's leadership. Overall, Bourla's comments underline the importance of evidence-based decisions as policymakers evaluates the most effective strategies for mitigating the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
- Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer's CEO, highlighted the crucial role of evidence-based decision-making, particularly in the context of medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and science, as the new Covid-19 vaccine policy primarily targets certain population groups with underlying health conditions.
- In the discussion on cancer research, Bourla emphasized the proven effectiveness of mRNA technology, a significant breakthrough in science, which has played a crucial role in developing Covid-19 vaccines and could potentially pave the way for medical advancements in other areas, such as addressing health-and-wellness concerns associated with medical-conditions.
