Kennedy Jr says US health dept will halt $500 mn funding for mRNA vaccine projects

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will cancel funding and contracts for several vaccine projects aimed at fighting respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday announced that 22 vaccine projects using mRNA technology, worth a total of $500 million, will be shut down. The move reflects Kennedy’s long-standing skepticism about vaccines, particularly those using mRNA technology.

Since taking office, Kennedy has reversed previous recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines, dismissed the expert panel responsible for vaccine advice, and refrained from strongly endorsing immunisation even as measles cases rise.

In a video posted on social media, Kennedy criticised mRNA vaccines and explained that the decision would impact major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, which are developing mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19, the flu, and bird flu (H5N1).

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“To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we’re prioritising the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and new platforms that don’t fail when viruses mutate,” Kennedy said.

However, public health experts strongly disagree with the move. Mike Osterholm, a leading infectious disease specialist from the University of Minnesota, called it “the most dangerous decision in public health” he’s seen in 50 years. He stressed that mRNA technology allows for faster vaccine development, which is crucial in responding to new pandemics.

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said the decision is especially risky with the threat of bird flu still looming. “mRNA vaccines have certainly saved millions of lives,” he said.

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Beyond infectious diseases, researchers are exploring mRNA technology for other uses, including cancer treatments. Earlier this year, tech billionaire Larry Ellison praised its potential for cancer therapy at a White House event.

Unlike traditional vaccines that rely on growing viruses in eggs or cell cultures, mRNA vaccines use a snippet of genetic code to instruct the body to make a harmless piece of a virus, enough to trigger immune protection.

In its statement, HHS clarified that this decision applies only to the 22 cancelled projects and does not affect other uses of mRNA technology within the department.

While mRNA vaccines are already approved for COVID-19 and RSV, no flu vaccine using the technology has yet been authorised. Moderna, which is developing a combined COVID-flu mRNA shot, had said mRNA could speed up flu vaccine production compared to traditional methods.