US HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Cuts $500M mRNA Vaccine Funding

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has canceled nearly $500 million in federally funded mRNA vaccine development projects, including terminating 22 contracts managed by BARDA, a move that has raised concerns about U.S. preparedness for future pandemics. Kennedy justified the funding cuts by questioning the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, stating they do not perform well against respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu, and claimed his decisions were based on reviews of real data and expert opinions. Critics, including immunologists and public health experts, warn that these actions could undermine scientific progress and the country's ability to respond quickly to health emergencies, especially given the success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and their recognition with a Nobel Prize. Kennedy's tenure has also seen significant changes to vaccine policy infrastructure, such as disbanding the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and replacing it with a smaller panel including anti-vaccine voices, which experts say threatens the integrity of vaccine recommendations. Some voices within Kennedy's circle argue that mRNA vaccines may pose greater risks than benefits, citing studies alleging severe genetic disruptions and long-lasting adverse effects, though these views remain controversial and opposed by mainstream public health authorities. Overall, Kennedy's approach marks a sharp departure from previous administrations' strong support for mRNA technology, stirring debate about the future of vaccine research and public health in the United States.