mRNA vaccine cuts spark outrage after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced major funding withdrawals. On Tuesday, Kennedy revealed the agency will cancel 22 projects totaling $500 million. These projects aimed to develop vaccines using mRNA technology to fight viruses like COVID-19, flu, and H5N1.
Kennedy’s move marks a turning point in national vaccine policy. So far, he has fired key advisory panels, rolled back COVID-19 vaccine guidance, and refused to support childhood vaccination during a measles outbreak. His recent video statement criticized mRNA vaccines and announced the decision to end partnerships with top pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna.
Instead of mRNA, Kennedy said the agency will support alternative vaccine strategies. “We’re prioritizing safer and broader vaccine platforms,” he said. “Whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms offer better protection when viruses mutate.”
Despite his concerns, infectious disease experts continue to support mRNA technology. Many scientists credit mRNA vaccines with saving millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also warn that pulling the plug on these projects risks future pandemic preparedness.
Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease expert, strongly condemned the decision. “In 50 years, I haven’t seen a more dangerous public health move,” he said. Osterholm stressed that mRNA vaccines can be produced quickly, which is vital during emergencies.
Similarly, Dr. Paul Offit from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia called the cancellation short-sighted. He warned that bird flu remains a looming threat. “mRNA technology will be critical in stopping future outbreaks,” Offit said.
Even outside infectious diseases, mRNA offers promise. Scientists worldwide are developing mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies. Earlier this year, tech mogul Larry Ellison praised mRNA’s role in potential cancer treatments during a White House event.
Still, Kennedy has stayed firm in his position. According to him, future vaccine safety depends on moving away from mRNA platforms entirely. However, many experts say the science tells a different story.
As mRNA vaccine cuts spark outrage, public health leaders are bracing for the consequences. The debate over vaccine technology now shapes the future of U.S. disease response. Clearly, the decision to end these projects has opened a new chapter in the nation’s vaccine policy.
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