The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel $500 million in contracts for 22 mRNA-based vaccine projects, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday. The halted initiatives included research from major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna aimed at combating COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory viruses.
Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, cited concerns over mRNA technology and promised to redirect efforts toward “safer, broader vaccine strategies,” including whole-virus and “natural immunity”-based approaches. At a press conference in Alaska, he said the administration’s goal is to develop a “universal vaccine” effective against both coronaviruses and influenza.
Medical experts condemned the move. “It’s the most dangerous decision in public health I’ve seen in 50 years,” said epidemiologist Mike Osterholm, warning that scrapping mRNA tools could weaken the U.S. response to future pandemics. Dr. Paul Offit noted mRNA vaccines have saved “millions of lives.”
The HHS clarified that other uses of mRNA in the department remain unaffected. Critics warn the decision may hinder vaccine innovation, especially amid concerns over emerging threats like bird flu.
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