Topline
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cancellation of contracts and grants worth nearly $500 million earmarked for the development of mRNA vaccines, the latest in a series of moves by the long-time vaccine critic who had repeatedly cast doubts about the safety and efficacy of such shots despite pushback from scientists.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is seen on stage at the inaugural Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall on Monday.
CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Key Facts
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Department of Health and Human Services described the move as a “coordinated wind-down of its mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).”
The agency claimed the decision was made after carrying out a “comprehensive review” of mRNA-related investments made during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kennedy said BARDA will scrap 22 mRNA vaccine development investments, claiming that data showed “these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu.”
Kennedy also claimed that the HHS will shift this funding towards “safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate,” without offering any specifics.
The noted vaccine also insisted that the HHS “supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them.”
Chief Critics
In a post on X, immunologist and former BARDA Director Rick Bright wrote: “BARDA invested in mRNA technology precisely because it could deliver safe, scalable vaccines in record time, a capability proven during COVID. By dismantling that platform, we’re crippling our front-line defense, just ahead of unknown biological threats.” Chris Meekins, who served as assistant secretary for pandemic preparedness in the HHS during the first Trump administration, also criticized the move, tweeting: “Ending BARDA’s investment in mRNA technology creates a national security vulnerability. These tools serve as a deterrent to prevent other nations from using certain biological agents. The speed of the technology to create new biodefense capabilities is a national security asset.”