CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. is pulling the plug on hundreds of millions in funding for a cutting-edge vaccine platform .

The decision is drawing sharp criticism from health experts—who say it could have big consequences the next time a pandemic hits.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has canceled 22 vaccine development contracts worth nearly $500 million. All of these projects were developing mRNA vaccines targeting respiratory viruses like flu, COVID‑19, and H5N1. Kennedy said the science shows these vaccines don't work well for upper respiratory infections and may carry more risks than benefits.

Now, funding is being redirected toward broader, traditional vaccine platforms — like whole‑virus vaccines — that might be more effective, especially when

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