The federal government’s vaccine advisers were not presented with early data about Moderna's newest COVID-19 booster during meetings last year when the officials debated whether to authorize the jab, according to a CNN report.
The preliminary data, though it had limitations, suggested the updated booster, which cost taxpayers about $5 billion, may not be more effective than previous shots. Several advisers told CNN they were upset they weren’t shown the findings.
“I was angry to find out that there was data that was relevant to our decision that we didn’t get to see,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, a group of external advisers that helps the FDA make vaccine decisions. “Decisions that are made for the public have to be made based on all available information – not just some information, but all information.”
