HHS Cancels 22 mRNA Vaccine Contracts Citing Efficacy Concerns

President Donald Trump's administration, under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the termination of 22 federal contracts related to mRNA vaccine development, citing concerns about their efficacy against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) will wind down these projects, which total nearly $500 million in funding, including contracts with companies like Moderna. Kennedy argued that mRNA vaccines target a small part of the virus, making them less effective when viruses mutate, and claimed this technology might even contribute to prolonged pandemics through antigenic shift. The administration plans to redirect funding toward developing broader, whole-virus vaccines that may offer more durable protection against mutating viruses. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. immunization policy amid ongoing debate, as many public health experts affirm the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines. The move follows other policy changes under Kennedy's leadership, including the FDA's decision to stop recommending annual COVID-19 vaccines for most children and adults.