Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting

Why It Matters

The committee’s recommendations will directly shape the strains included in next season’s flu vaccines, influencing vaccine efficacy, manufacturing decisions, and public health preparedness for 2026–2027. Clear conflict-of-interest disclosures and industry participation ensure transparency in choices that affect vaccine supply and public trust.

Summary

The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee convened in open session to discuss and recommend strain composition for the 2026–2027 U.S. influenza vaccines. The meeting opened with roll call introductions from committee members and guest speakers—experts from academia, CDC, NIH and industry—followed by a formal conflict-of-interest statement affirming that members were screened and cleared under federal rules; one member recused and an industry representative joined as a non-voting participant. Invited speakers, including a representative from vaccine manufacturers, were introduced to provide contextual information but will not participate in deliberations or voting. The session proceeded into an open public hearing to gather external input ahead of committee deliberations on strain selection.