HHS Secretary Kennedy Halts $500 Million mRNA Vaccine Funding, Shifts Research Focus
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew $500 million from 22 mRNA vaccine projects, citing safety concerns and insufficient protection, redirecting funds to "safer, broader vaccine strategies" despite expert criticism.
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Overview
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has withdrawn $500 million from 22 mRNA vaccine development projects, significantly impacting research efforts by major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna.
- Kennedy's decision is based on his belief that mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits for respiratory viruses, citing insufficient protection against COVID-19 and flu.
- The funding shift prioritizes "safer, broader vaccine strategies," including whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms, aiming for more effective solutions against mutating viruses.
- Infectious disease experts have criticized this unprecedented move, warning it could severely hinder promising research and potentially leave Americans vulnerable to future pandemics.
- Despite widespread cancellations, some final-stage mRNA vaccine contracts will continue, and the government is exploring a separate $500 million project for a universal vaccine.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by highlighting the scientific consensus on mRNA vaccines' efficacy and safety, contrasting it sharply with RFK Jr.'s decision. They emphasize the technology's "medical miracle" status and "life-saving" impact, portraying Kennedy's actions as a dangerous "sharp pivot" that undermines public health and U.S. biotech leadership, often refuting his claims with expert opinions.
"Now, his health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is effectively halting the vaccine technology’s advancement."
ABC News"Now, his health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is effectively halting the vaccine technology’s advancement."
Associated Press"The announcement dismayed many who study infectious disease."
NPR"Using mRNA technology could change that dramatically, such that by the end of the first year, we could vaccinate the world."
ABC News"The most obvious consequence from defunding mRNA vaccine development is losing resources to continue improving the technology for vaccines that target infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and bird flu, and cancers, Coller said."
USA TODAY"Using mRNA technology could change that dramatically, such that by the end of the first year, we could vaccinate the world."
Associated Press"Kennedy’s actions speak louder than his words, however."
Gizmodo"The ramifications of the US turning away from mRNA research could be felt more widely."
BBC News"The U.S. health agency said it was also rejecting or canceling multiple pre-award solicitations, including proposals from Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, Gritstone and others."
USA TODAY"The decision will hit 22 projects on viruses such as bird flu and COVID-19."
Semafor"Kennedy’s decision to terminate the projects is the latest in a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critic’s doubts about shots into full effect at the nation’s health department."
Chicago Sun-Times"Kennedy's decision to terminate the projects is the latest in a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critic's doubts about shots into full effect at the nation's health department."
ABC News"Kennedy's decision to terminate the projects is the latest in a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critic's doubts about shots into full effect at the nation's health department."
ABC News"The shelving of the mRNA projects is short-sighted as concerns about a bird flu pandemic continue to loom, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia."
NPR"Kennedy framed the move as part of a step away from research into mRNA vaccines."
CBS News"Terminating mRNA contracts under BARDA is "a very misguided, irresponsible and I would say reckless move," Scott said."
NBC News"The move will impact 22 projects being led by major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, for vaccines against bird flu and other viruses, HHS said."
BBC News"The shelving of the mRNA projects is short-sighted as concerns about a bird flu pandemic continue to loom, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia."
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FAQ
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited safety concerns and insufficient protection against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and flu as reasons for halting $500 million in funding for 22 mRNA vaccine projects. He believes mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits and wants to prioritize safer and broader vaccine strategies.
The funding cancellations affected major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Moderna, Sanofi, and institutions such as Emory University and Tiba Biotech. Contracts and proposals involving these entities were terminated or restructured, with some final-stage contracts continuing.
Infectious disease experts have strongly criticized the decision, warning it could severely hinder promising vaccine research and leave Americans vulnerable to future pandemics. They assert that mRNA vaccines are safe and that their development was crucial in mitigating the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
HHS is shifting focus and funds towards safer, broader vaccine platforms such as whole-virus vaccines and novel technologies that remain effective even as viruses mutate. The goal is to develop vaccines with broader efficacy against respiratory viruses beyond mRNA technology.
While 22 mRNA vaccine projects have been halted, some final-stage contracts related to mRNA vaccines will continue to preserve prior taxpayer investments. Additionally, the government is exploring a separate $500 million project for a universal vaccine.
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