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7 articles
·18d

HHS Cancels $766 Million Moderna Vaccine Contract Amid Safety Concerns

The U.S. cancels funding for Moderna's mRNA bird flu vaccine, citing safety issues, as H5N1 cases rise in the U.S.


Overview

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has canceled a $766 million contract with Moderna for an mRNA vaccine against H5N1 bird flu, citing safety concerns. Despite positive trial results showing a 44.5-fold increase in antibody levels, officials deemed further investment unjustifiable, emphasizing a shift towards established vaccine technologies. Critics warn this decision jeopardizes pandemic preparedness as H5N1 spreads among U.S. poultry and dairy cows, with 70 human cases reported. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed skepticism about mRNA technology, claiming it remains under-tested, while Moderna seeks alternative funding to continue its vaccine development.

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Articles (7)

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LeftCenterRight
CNN
NBC News
NPR
ARS Technica
Boston Herald
Washington Examiner
Epoch Times
HHS cancels $590 million contract with Moderna for bird flu vaccine
CNNCNN·19d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…However, HHS said Wednesday that the project doesn’t meet scientific or safety expectations for continued investment."

Trump administration cancels plans to develop a bird flu vaccine
NPRNPR·19d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The cancellation comes even though Moderna says a study involving 300 healthy adults had produced 'positive interim' results and the company 'had previously expected to advance the program to late-stage development.'"

RFK Jr. yanks pandemic vaccine funding as Moderna reports positive results
ARS TechnicaARS Technica·18d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The decision to cancel the funding—which would support thorough safety and efficacy testing of the vaccines—was because the vaccines needed more testing."

Trump administration cancels $766 million Moderna contract to fight pandemic flu
Boston HeraldBoston Herald·19d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The cancelation came as Moderna announced positive interim results from an early-stage trial of the vaccine that targeted H5 bird flu virus, tested in 300 healthy adults."

HHS pulls millions in funding for Moderna to develop bird flu vaccines - Washington Examiner
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·18d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Concerns have since been raised that negative side effects of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, including risks of myocarditis, were deliberately downplayed to the public as Biden health officials pushed for expanded vaccination rates during the pandemic."

Health Department Cancels More Than $700 Million in Funding for Moderna’s Bird Flu Vaccine
Epoch TimesEpoch Times·18d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has canceled funding for Moderna’s vaccine against avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, the department confirmed on May 29."

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  • 19d
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    3 articles