FDA Reportedly Links COVID-19 Vaccines to Child Deaths
The New York Times reported on Friday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had indicated in an internal note that at least 10 children had "probably died" due to COVID-19 vaccines, citing myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) as a potential cause. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the FDA, has not yet responded to Reuters' request for comment on the report.
Background
This revelation comes as Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has drastically changed the government's policy on COVID-19 vaccines, limiting access to people 65 and older, as well as those with underlying health issues. Kennedy has long been a vocal opponent of vaccines before taking on the role of the country's top health official under the presidency of Donald Trump. He has also established a link between vaccines and autism and sought to reform the country's vaccination policies.
Details of the Report
According to the New York Times, the note, written by Vinay Prasad, FDA's chief medical officer and scientific lead, did not reveal the age of the children, their health status, or the vaccine manufacturers involved. Prasad reportedly stated that these findings constitute a "profound revelation" and announced plans to strengthen vaccine surveillance, including requiring randomized studies for all age groups.
Upcoming Developments
The newspaper indicated that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine committee will meet in the coming days. Prasad, an oncologist, has been one of the most prominent critics of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and mask-wearing in the US.
Key Points
- At least 10 child deaths may be linked to COVID-19 vaccines, according to an FDA internal note
- Myocarditis is cited as a potential cause of death
- The FDA plans to strengthen vaccine surveillance, including requiring randomized studies for all age groups
- The CDC vaccine committee will meet in the coming days to discuss the issue
- Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has limited access to COVID-19 vaccines to people 65 and older and those with underlying health issues
