The Vaccine Intelligence Report: May 20-27

The Vaccine Intelligence Report—brought to you by Vaccinate Your Family—provides clear, fact-based updates on vaccine policy, research, and public health each week. This report is part of Viral Truths, a resource designed to cut through the noise, offering concise information to help navigate the evolving immunization landscape.

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE

  • NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya faced scrutiny from lawmakers over proposed budget cuts and leadership instability at NIAID, raising concerns about impacts on infectious disease, vaccine, and outbreak preparedness research
  • A now public FDA analysis found no child deaths could be definitively linked to Covid vaccination, contradicting prior unsupported claims from former CBER Director Dr. Vinay Prasad
  • Gavi offered a plan to accelerate its transition away from thimerosal-containing vaccines as $600M in congressionally appropriated U.S. funding remains blocked
  • New Hampshire lawmakers rejected a bill that proposed limiting school-based vaccine clinics, though a separate bill under consideration has resurfaced language that would remove hepatitis B from childhood immunization requirements
  • Several states acted this legislative session to preserve vaccine access by reducing reliance on ACIP alone and allowing state health agencies or medical organizations to inform recommendations and coverage
  • Measles cases continue to emerge in pockets across the U.S., while a major Bangladesh outbreak raises concerns about international spread ahead of summer travel season
  • Ebola, hantavirus, malaria, and dengue developments underscore ongoing challenges around outbreak preparedness, vaccine access, and the continued thread of infectious diseases spreading and reaching the U.S.

NEED TO KNOW

NIH Faces Scrutiny Over Budget Cuts and Infectious Disease Leadership Gaps

  • Last week (May 21), National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on the Administration’s FY2027 budget proposal, which would cut NIH funding by $5 billion and reduce the number of institutes and centers from 27 to 22.
    • The proposal has drawn criticism from lawmakers, public health experts, and patient advocates, who warn that the cuts could weaken U.S. biomedical research and innovation. The proposal would require congressional approval and is expected to face significant resistance.
  • Dr. Jeffery Taubenberger, NIAID’s Acting Director, had been expected to appear alongside Bhattacharya and five institute Directors. However, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced during the hearing that Taubenberger was no longer serving in the role.
    • Taubenberger became Acting Director in April 2025 after Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired former NIAID Director Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo.
    • It remains unclear when or why Taubenberger stepped down. NIAID staff had reportedly not been informed of the change before the hearing, and as of Tuesday (May 26), he was still listed as Acting Director on the institute’s website.
  • Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) noted that eight of the top ten NIAID officials have been ousted from the NIH’s second largest institute. Bhattacharya said that NIAID is undergoing a “shift” that necessitates new leadership.
    • In January, Bhattacharya and Taubenberger co-authored a paper outlining a new vision for the institute, in which they wrote that “much of the American public lost trust in the NIAID” due to the Covid pandemic.
    • According to the paper, NIAID’s core pillars no longer include biodefense/pandemic preparedness or HIV research. Instead, its two key priorities are now infectious diseases and immunology.
  • NIH is also facing a broader leadership gaps and challenges. As of May 20, the agency lacked permanent Directors at 15 of its institutes.
    • For more on recent changes in HHS leadership, see last week’s edition of the Vaccine Intelligence Report. 

FDA Analysis Contradicts Prior Claims Linking Covid Vaccines to Child Deaths 

  • A recently surfaced Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analysis appears to contradict unverified claims made late last year by former FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) Director Dr. Vinay Prasad that the agency had identified the previously unreported deaths of at least 10 children, caused by Covid vaccines.
  • The analysis—which was dated December 2025 but only made public earlier this month (May 11)—reviewed 96 “unique reports” of child deaths submitted to the agency’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) as of August 14, 2025.
  • FDA investigators concluded that none of the cases could be definitively linked to Covid vaccination.
    • Although five of the deaths were categorized as “possible” and two as “probable” cases—based on criteria from the World Health Organization (WHO)—the report emphasized that alternative explanations could not be ruled out.
    • Several of the cases reported involved myocarditis, a rare, known risk associated with mRNA Covid vaccines that has been reflected in product labeling since 2021.
    • Experts note that myocarditis is more commonly caused by viral infections themselves, and evidence continues to show the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in most populations.
  • The findings appear to directly undercut claims made in a leaked internal memo circulated by Prasad to FDA staff last November, in which he asserted that children had died “after and because of receiving” Covid vaccines—although the memo provided no supporting data, methodology, or clinical evidence.
    • At the time, numerous vaccine experts, former FDA officials, and public health leaders criticized the memo as scientifically unsupported and warned that the unverified claims could further politicize and undermine vaccine oversight and public trust.
      • For additional insights, see the Dec. 3 edition of the Vaccine Intelligence Report.
  • The public release of these contradictory findings comes amid—and further magnifies—ongoing concerns about how vaccine safety data is being interpreted, communicated, and used to inform decision-making across HHS agencies.

Gavi Offers Thimerosal Phaseout Plan as $600M in U.S. Funding Remains Blocked

  • Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has offered to accelerate its transition away from vaccines containing thimerosal—a mercury-based preservative used in some multi-dose vaccine vials—in an effort to unlock $600 million in congressionally appropriated U.S. funding that remains blocked.
    • The funding includes $300 million appropriated for each of FY2025 and FY2026 and is set to expire on Sept. 30 if not released. U.S. funding makes up about 15% of Gavi’s annual budget.
  • Although the State Department controls Gavi’s funding, Kennedy has held up its release over concerns about thimerosal, which he has long claimed is linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions—despite no evidence of a causal link.
    • Thimerosal is used in some multi-dose vaccine vials to prevent contamination, particularly in settings where single-dose vials can be more difficult or costly to distribute.
    • The Trump Administration has conditioned future funding for Gavi on the organization developing and initiating a plan to remove thimerosal-containing vaccines from its portfolio.
  • Gavi has said its planned transition away from two thimerosal-containing vaccines—approved in 2024—is not based on safety concerns, but rather on a broader move toward newer vaccines that protect against more diseases or more strains.
    • The organization has reportedly provided HHS with a timeline for the transition, a list of studies informing its vaccine program, and a commitment that U.S. funding will not be used to procure or distribute thimerosal-containing vaccines.
    • It remains unclear whether Kennedy will accept the offer and allow the funding to move forward.
  • Gavi helps low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) purchase and deliver vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases and has immunized more than 1.2 billion children since 2000. Continued delays in U.S. funding could affect global vaccine access, add uncertainty for countries that rely on Gavi-supported immunization programs, and ultimately weaken global health security and outbreak prevention efforts.

STATE POLICY SPOTLIGHT

Key New Hampshire Vaccine Bill Fails to Advance, But Hepatitis B Bill Language Resurfaces

  • A New Hampshire bill (HB 1449) that sought to prohibit public and charter schools from holding vaccine clinics on their campuses during school hours failed last week (May 21) after the House rejected Senate amendments to add exceptions for influenza (flu) vaccine clinics and for clinics held during a public health emergency.
  • Earlier this year, a bill (HB 1719) that would have removed the hepatitis B vaccine from the state’s list of required childhood immunizations was defeated. However, its language has resurfaced as an amendment to another bill (SB 625) that is being considered in a Committee of Conference.

Several States Act to Protect Vaccine Access This Legislative Session

  • During the 2025-2026 legislative session, a number of states enacted legislation to modify the role of ACIP in state immunization policy, including Colorado (SB 26-032), Connecticut (HB 5044), Maine (LD 2146), Maryland (HB 637), New Mexico (HB 156), Oregon (SB 1598), Vermont (H 545), and Washington (HB 2242).
  • Legislation in Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington allows state health agencies and/or organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to serve as sources for vaccine recommendations.
    • Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington require health insurance plans to cover vaccines recommended by additional agencies and organizations, rather than ACIP alone.

OUTBREAK OUTLOOK

News on respiratory virus season, measles, pertussis, and other vaccine-preventable and infectious disease outbreaks.

Measles Persists in U.S. Pockets Amid Major Bangladesh Outbreak

  • As of May 23, the U.S. has reported 2,033 measles cases in 2026—an increase of 27 cases in the last week.
    • California officials reported three measles cases across Los Angeles and San Diego last week. The state had reported 49 measles cases in 2026 as of May 25.
      • New reporting on a January outbreak in Shasta County, California, shows how rapid case identification, contact tracing, targeted vaccination outreach, and direct communication with schools and exposed families helped prevent broader spread.
    • Pennsylvania recorded five new measles cases on Tuesday (May 26), bringing the state’s total to 37 this year.
    • Utah recorded two new measles cases in the past week, bringing its 2026 total to 476 cases as of May 26.
    • Virginia officials reported three measles cases in the week ending May 23, bringing the state’s 2026 total to 54 as of May 27. 11% of cases have led to hospitalization. The state has launched a measles dashboard amid its ongoing outbreak.
    • States continuing to report high numbers of cases in 2026 include Arizona (95), Florida (152, as of May 16), Texas (182), and Washington (45).
  • Bangladesh is responding to a major measles outbreak that has killed over 500 children and caused more than 60,000 suspected cases, raising concerns about the potential for international spread.
    • The outbreak has been linked to declining vaccination coverage and broader disruptions to routine immunization efforts. These factors, combined with densely populated cities, have allowed measles to spread rapidly.
    • Public health experts warned that measles outbreaks can easily spread beyond borders—a concern that is heightened amid declining U.S. vaccination rates and ahead of increased international travel for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada this summer.

Ebola and Hantavirus Outbreaks Renew Questions About Public Health Preparedness and Trust

  • The WHO has reported more than 900 suspected Ebola cases and 220 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The U.S. has pledged $23 million in funding for Ebola response, including support for up to 50 Ebola treatment clinics.
    • The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain. Existing Ebola vaccines target the Zaire strain and no vaccine is currently approved for Bundibugyo.
    • Two Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine candidates are in development, and one UK research group claims they could have doses of a new vaccine ready in 2-3 months.
    • Former U.S. health officials have warned that the dismantling of key United States Agency for International Development (USAID) outbreak-response infrastructure may have slowed Ebola detection and weakened local response capacity.
  • Separately, 17 Americans exposed to Andes hantavirus—the only known hantavirus strain capable of person-to-person transmission—aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship remain under quarantine as health officials continue investigating the outbreak.
    • The outbreak has caused 12 confirmed cases and three deaths. The WHO said Sunday (May 24) that the situation is stable, and no deaths have been reported since May 2.
    • There are no approved Andes hantavirus vaccines, though researchers have been studying experimental vaccines and antiviral approaches for years.
  • Together, the outbreaks underscore broader post-Covid challenges for public health communication, institutional trust, and emergency preparedness—especially as false information and skepticism toward public health authorities could complicate future emergency responses.

Recent CDC Reports Highlight Potential for Mosquito-Borne Disease Spread in the U.S. 

  • In its May 21 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the CDC warned that the U.S. remains susceptible to malaria reintroduction, pointing to 10 locally acquired U.S. malaria cases in 2023—the first reported to the CDC in two decades.
    • Malaria is transmitted by a certain type of mosquito and can cause a range of symptoms, from flu-like illness to severe complications including anemia and death.
    • While malaria vaccines are not part of routine U.S. immunization recommendations because domestic risk remains low, they are recommended for children in countries with moderate to high transmission.
    • Global malaria vaccination efforts face funding uncertainty as the U.S. continues to withhold funds from Gavi. The organization’s malaria vaccination program is facing a nearly 30% budget deficit that could reduce vaccine access in high-transmission areas.
  • A separate CDC MMWR published May 14 documented a 359% increase in U.S. dengue cases during 2024, compared with the annual average during 2010-2023.
    • Most cases (97.2%) were associated with international travel to countries experiencing ongoing outbreaks, but the CDC warned that localized transmission remains possible in certain U.S. states where dengue-carrying mosquitoes are established.
    • Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause fever, severe pain, bleeding complications in severe cases, and, in rare cases, death.
    • The current dengue vaccine is recommended only for certain children living in areas with frequent dengue transmission who have previously had dengue infection.

REALITY CHECK

These fact checks respond to several recent claims made by different groups and individuals.

CLAIM: There is credible evidence that Covid vaccines cause cancer and may even contribute to accelerated, aggressive forms of cancer.

  • REALITY: No credible evidence from clinical, epidemiologic, or mechanistic research—including extensive vaccine safety monitoring involving billions of doses worldwide—supports claims that Covid vaccines cause cancer, accelerate cancer growth, or explain recent cancer trends.
  • These claims often point to increases in cancer diagnoses or deaths that occurred after Covid vaccines became available, but events occurring around the same time do not establish causation.
    • Cancer trends are influenced by many factors, including aging populations, longer-term risk factors that predate vaccine rollout, and advancements in detection and screening.
  • There is also no biologically plausible mechanism showing that Covid vaccines would broadly cause or accelerate cancer.
    • mRNA vaccines do not remain in the body long-term, do not enter the cell nucleus, and do not alter DNA. The immune response triggered by vaccination is short-lived and targeted toward the Covid spike protein—not toward processes known to cause cancer or drive rapid tumor growth.
  • Many claims also point to reports in VAERS and other passive surveillance systems. These systems are useful for detecting potential safety signals, but individual reports cannot determine whether a vaccine caused a reported health event without further investigation.
    • VAERS accepts reports of health problems that occur after vaccination, even when the reporter is not sure the vaccine caused the event; a VAERS report “does not mean that a vaccine caused an adverse event.”
  • HHS similarly cautions that the number of VAERS reports alone cannot be interpreted as evidence of a causal association, frequency, or rate of vaccine-related problems.
    • VAERS can help detect unusual patterns of adverse event reporting that may signal a possible safety concern, prompting further review and investigation by the FDA and CDC through additional epidemiological studies, clinical review, and regulatory assessment to determine whether there is evidence of a true causal relationship.
    • However, reports submitted to VAERS alone cannot establish that a vaccine caused a particular health event, because the system collects reports of “any side effect or health problem after vaccination that is concerning to you, even if you are not sure if the vaccine caused the event.”
  • Available evidence does not support a cancer-risk signal from Covid vaccines. Cancer centers and oncology experts continue to recommend Covid vaccination for people with cancer because they are at higher risk of severe Covid, and studies in cancer patients have not shown that vaccination worsens cancer outcomes.
    • In fact, emerging research is examining whether mRNA Covid vaccines may enhance responses to certain cancer immunotherapies.

WHAT TO WATCH

FDA Advisers Set to Consider Updated Covid Vaccine Formula (May 28)

  • The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) will meet today (May 28) to discuss and make recommendations on the 2026-2027 formula for Covid vaccines.
    • VRBPAC advises the FDA Commissioner on “the safety, effectiveness, and appropriate use of vaccines,” including new vaccines or updates to existing vaccines. Its recommendations are nonbinding, with the final decision resting with the FDA.
    • The formula decision helps determine which variant target manufacturers will use as they prepare updated Covid vaccines for the upcoming respiratory virus season.
  • The upcoming meeting agenda includes presentations on Covid epidemiology and variants, vaccine effectiveness, the four FDA-approved Covid vaccines, and FDA considerations for the formula.
    • A WHO representative will also present on the group’s May 2026 formula recommendation to target the LP.8.1 antigen. In its recommendation, WHO also noted that other formulations that demonstrate “broad and robust” responses or efficacy, including those targeting the XFG variant, could also be used.
    • VRBPAC is reportedly considering a formulation that would target the XFG variant, based on data from last season.
    • The VRBPAC briefing document notes that “All licensed manufacturers have indicated that they are prepared to produce an XFG vaccine” for 2026-2027 Covid vaccines.
  • The meeting comes as VRBPAC continues to operate with significant vacancies. The FDA’s current roster lists nine vacancies, including a vacant Chair position, despite the committee’s charter calling for at least 15 voting members.

VRBPAC to Review First mRNA Flu Vaccine Candidate (June 18)

  • VRBPAC will reconvene on June 18 to review Moderna’s mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine, which would be the first mRNA flu shot available in the U.S. if approved.
    • Moderna is seeking approval for use in all adults 50 and older, who are generally at higher risk of severe complications from the flu. The FDA is expected to make a decision by August 5.
  • The review follows an unusual regulatory reversal. Earlier this year, under former CBER Director Prasad, the FDA initially declined to accept Moderna’s application for review, then reversed course two weeks later.
    • Prasad reportedly overruled agency reviewers in the initial rejection, which Moderna said was not based on any safety or efficacy concerns. After meeting with the manufacturer, the FDA accepted an amended application with a revised regulatory approach.
  • The vaccine candidate has shown promising results in clinical testing. A trial of over 40,000 people found that Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine provided significantly better protection against flu illness than a standard-dose flu vaccine in adults ages 50 and older.
    • The trial also found fewer flu-related healthcare visits among mRNA vaccine recipients. Serious adverse events were uncommon and occurred at similar rates in the mRNA and standard-dose vaccine groups.
  • The meeting will be closely watched for the committee’s assessment of Moderna’s data, and also for how the FDA approaches mRNA vaccine technology and regulatory standards for next-generation flu vaccines moving forward.

Kennedy Fires USPSTF Officials, Adding to HHS Leadership Disruptions

  • Last week (May 20), Secretary Kennedy removed the Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the independent expert panel that determines which preventive services insurers must cover without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
    • The move comes weeks after Kennedy’s public criticism of the panel and broader signals that he planned to reshape its membership and oversight.
  • The leadership removals follow several months of disruption to USPSTF operations including cancelled meetings, delayed activities, and a recent call for new nominations that experts warn could broaden the panel beyond its traditional focus on primary care and preventive medicine.
  • The latest removal could give Kennedy greater influence over future USPSTF appointments, particularly as the task force now lacks the leadership that would typically oversee the selection of new members.
  • Further, any significant changes to the panel’s structure, membership, or recommendation process could ultimately impact how a wide range of preventive services are evaluated and ultimately shape insurance coverage requirements for these services under federal law.

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