Idaho Matters Doctor Roundtable: February 18, 2026

By Gemma Gaudette

Published February 18, 2026 at 1:13 PM MST

FILE - A patient is given a flu vaccine Oct. 28, 2022, in Lynwood, Calif. On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to pay Moderna $176 million to develop a mRNA vaccine to treat bird flu in people, as cases in dairy cows continue to mount across the country. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

After a rare regulatory reversal, Moderna's experimental mRNA flu vaccine is now back under review by the U.S. Food and Drug administration, spotlighting tensions over scientific standards, vaccine regulations and the future of mRNA technology in routine immunizations.

Dr. David Pate, the former CEO of St. Luke's Health System and the author of the book "Preparing for the Next Global Outbreak," joined Idaho Matters to talk more about the issue.

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Gemma Gaudette

Hi! I’m Gemma Gaudette, the host of the award-winning show, Idaho Matters. During the day you’ll find me researching and writing about all the fascinating topics we tackle on our show. And of course, at noon, each weekday you’ll find me live behind the microphone as Idaho Matters airs.

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