The Big Story

Cuts to mRNA research stir fears

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr canceled $500 million worth of mRNA vaccine contracts earlier this week, a move decried by scientists and public health experts for leaving the nation unprepared for the next pandemic and putting a hole in the national security net.

© Photo credit

The contracts were funded through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Kennedy falsely argued that the vaccines fail to effectively protect people against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu, and don’t work if a virus mutates.

Kennedy now wants HHS to focus on vaccine platforms with “stronger safety records.”

The FDA approved two mRNA vaccines against the COVID-19 virus, and research shows that th

See Full Page