FDA rejects Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine application - for reasons with no basis in the law

The move signals an escalation in the agency’s efforts to interfere with established procedures for testing and approving vaccines.

By: Ana Santos Rutschman, Villanova University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 12, 2026

Words: 1,258

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Ana Santos Rutschman, Villanova University

The Food and Drug Administration has refused to review an application from the biotech company Moderna to approve its mRNA-based flu vaccine.

The agency’s decision, which Moderna announced in a press release on Feb. 10, 2026, is the latest step in efforts by federal health officials under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to disrupt longstanding public health practices relating to vaccine access and …

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