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14h ago

Kennedy Ends $500 Million in mRNA Vaccine Contracts, Drawing Expert Alarm

HHS plans to redirect funding from respiratory mRNA vaccines into broader whole-virus platforms that officials say will remain effective against mutating viruses.

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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is seen on stage at the inaugural Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall on Monday, August 4, 2025.
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Overview

  • On August 5 and 6, HHS announced the cancellation of 22 BARDA-supported mRNA vaccine projects worth $500 million.
  • The terminated contracts involved leading pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, targeting respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and H5N1.
  • Kennedy justified the move by claiming mRNA vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections and pledged to invest in broader platforms like whole-virus vaccines.
  • Infectious disease experts, including Mike Osterholm and Rick Bright, warned that halting mRNA development undermines rapid-response capabilities and endangers future pandemic readiness.
  • HHS said it will allow a handful of final-stage mRNA vaccine contracts to finish and that other department research using mRNA technology will not be affected.