Overview

• On August 5, HHS cancelled 22 BARDA-managed mRNA development projects, cutting nearly $500 million from vaccine efforts targeting COVID-19, flu and H5N1.
• Kennedy said data show mRNA vaccines underperform at preventing upper respiratory infections and risk collapse when viruses mutate.
• He directed the reallocated funds toward broader vaccine platforms, including whole-virus approaches that mimic natural immunity.
• Public health experts including Mike Osterholm and Paul Offit warned the move weakens rapid response capacity and raises risks from future pandemics.
• HHS clarified that other mRNA research efforts, such as non-respiratory vaccine and cancer immunotherapy programs, are not affected by the cancellations.