Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.‘s move to cut federal funding for 22 mRNA vaccine projects has drawn sharp criticism from scientists, with some warning of “dangerous repercussions.”
The announcement
Kennedy declared that the Department of Health and Human Services will withdraw $500 million in funding for these vaccine projects, arguing that the vaccines “fail to protect” against upper respiratory infections. “We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted. BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu,” Kennedy said on X. “We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”
Scientists raise the alarm
Several scientists and medical experts have condemned the decision. Rick Bright, former head of HHS’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, responded to the news on X, writing, “A bad day for science, and huge blow to our national security. This decision will have dangerous repercussions.” Dr. Thomas A. Russo, an infectious disease expert, told Newsweek that Kennedy’s move was “shortsighted” and stressed that mRNA vaccines “will be critical when the next, inevitable infectious diseases crisis rears its ugly head.”
The backlash
Ending funding for mRNA vaccines like COVID-19 and RSV signals a shift in U.S. health policy. Experts warn this call will remove an essential platform, impair the nation’s pandemic preparedness and reflect a troubling prioritization of ideology over scientific evidence.
Supporters of the move
While some are strongly against, others support the move, including Children’s Health Defense, a nonprofit founded by Kennedy. The organization explained, “CHD applauds this most recent announcement to defund 22 mRNA vaccine projects under BARDA. While we believe that the mRNA shots on the market are unsafe and should be off the market, this is a welcome step in the right direction. The pandemic preparedness industry as it exists today is a threat to human welfare.”
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Author: Isabella Torregiani
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