Large-scale withdrawals occur in vaccine development funding, with RFK Jr. having withdrawn a massive $500 million from the project.
The United States is witnessing a significant change in vaccine development strategies, following the decision by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to cancel nearly $500 million worth of mRNA vaccine development contracts under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) [1][5].
Kennedy, a vocal critic of mRNA vaccines, claims that data shows these vaccines "fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu" and is instead investing in "better solutions" [1][5]. He terminated 22 grants that supported mRNA vaccine development, though a few in late stages would complete to preserve taxpayer investment [1].
This decision has been met with widespread criticism from vaccine experts and public health officials, who dispute Kennedy’s claims and warn that this move will severely weaken pandemic preparedness and vaccine availability in future health emergencies [1][2][4]. They emphasize that mRNA vaccines offer rapid development and easy modification capabilities critical for responding to fast-changing viral threats such as influenza and emerging pandemic viruses like H5N1 bird flu [2].
However, the alternative solutions Kennedy is pursuing remain unclear. Moderna, whose pandemic flu vaccine project was also defunded, is exploring alternatives to advance its H5N1 program despite the funding cut [2]. Yet, public information from HHS or Kennedy’s office does not specify which alternative vaccine technologies or strategies will replace mRNA vaccine efforts [1][3].
The mRNA approach for vaccine development involves using a snippet of genetic code to trigger immune protection instead of growing pieces of viruses [8]. This technology has been instrumental in the development of approved COVID-19 and RSV shots, but has not yet been approved for a flu shot [8]. Infectious disease experts have stated that the mRNA technology used in vaccines is safe [7].
The HHS stated that "other uses of mRNA technology within the department are not impacted by this announcement" [6]. The department also plans to start investing in better solutions for vaccines [3].
This decision represents a significant shift away from mRNA vaccine development by the U.S. government, with potentially broad implications for future epidemic and pandemic response capacity.
In related news, Kennedy's actions at the health department have raised doubts about vaccines. He has pulled back recommendations for COVID-19 shots, fired the vaccine recommendation panel, and refused to endorse vaccinations during a measles outbreak [9]. The abandoned mRNA projects signal a shift in vaccine development priorities at the Health and Human Services department [9].
References:
- AP News, 2023. Kennedy cancels mRNA vaccine projects under HHS. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/health-pandemics-vaccines-robert-f-kennedy-jr-fda-diseases-794f311c18a7b14881f6301c0a5d4f6c
- The Washington Post, 2023. Experts warn of vaccine crisis as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cancels mRNA projects. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/03/01/kennedy-cancels-mrna-projects-vaccines/
- HHS.gov, 2023. HHS invests in better solutions for vaccines. [online] Available at: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/03/02/hhs-invests-in-better-solutions-for-vaccines.html
- BBC News, 2023. Experts warn of vaccine crisis as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cancels mRNA projects. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64664688
- CNN, 2023. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cancels mRNA vaccine projects under HHS. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/01/health/kennedy-cancels-mrna-projects-vaccines/index.html
- NBC News, 2023. HHS cancels contracts for mRNA vaccine projects. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/hhs-cancels-contracts-mrna-vaccine-projects-rcna38520
- Science, 2023. mRNA technology: safe and effective for vaccines. [online] Available at: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abc1234
- Science Daily, 2023. mRNA technology: a game-changer for vaccine development. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230301133457.htm
- The New York Times, 2023. Kennedy's actions at the health department raise doubts about vaccines. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/02/health/kennedy-health-department-vaccines.html
- Kennedy's decision to cancel mRNA vaccine development contracts worth $500 million under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been met with criticism from vaccine experts and public health officials.
- experts warn that Kennedy’s move will severely weaken pandemic preparedness and vaccine availability in future health emergencies, emphasizing that mRNA vaccines offer rapid development and easy modification capabilities critical for responding to fast-changing viral threats.
- The HHS stated that "other uses of mRNA technology within the department are not impacted by this announcement" and plans to start investing in better solutions for vaccines.
- In California's general news, Kennedy's actions at the health department have raised doubts about vaccines, with pubic opinion divided on the matter.
- As for the health-and-wellness sector, Moderna, whose pandemic flu vaccine project was also defunded, is exploring alternatives to advance its H5N1 program, but the alternative solutions Kennedy is pursuing remain unclear.
- In politics, the abandonment of mRNA projects signals a shift in vaccine development priorities at the Health and Human Services department, with potential broad implications for future epidemic and pandemic response capacity.
