Vinay Prasad Appointed FDA Vaccines Director Amid COVID Policy Criticism

Dr. Vinay Prasad, a prominent critic of COVID-19 vaccine policies and federal regulatory standards, has been appointed as the new director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), replacing Dr. Peter Marks, who resigned following disputes with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Prasad, a professor at UCSF, is known for challenging the emergency authorization of COVID-19 boosters and advocating for more rigorous, randomized clinical trials for vaccine approvals, especially for annual coronavirus shots. His appointment comes amid heightened public debate over vaccine policy and declining trust in vaccines, with concerns raised by public health experts about the future direction of U.S. vaccine oversight. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary praised Prasad for his scientific rigor and independence, while critics point to his history of contrarian views on mask mandates, lockdowns, and pharma industry influence. Prasad has also been openly critical of his predecessor, calling Marks a 'reckless vaccine promoter' and denouncing his regulatory approach as too lenient. The move signals a shift toward stricter evidence standards at the FDA, but has sparked controversy given Prasad's outspoken stance and the political context surrounding vaccine policy.