In a highly controversial move that could reshape America’s vaccine future, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cancelled $500 million in funding for 22 vaccine development projects focused on mRNA technology, including work being conducted by industry leaders Pfizer and Moderna.
The decision, announced Tuesday, marks a dramatic pivot in national health strategy — one that critics say prioritizes political ideology over science. The affected projects aimed to develop vaccines for respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and the emerging threat of H5N1 bird flu.
What Is mRNA Technology and Why It Matters
mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines became globally recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic for their rapid development timelines and high efficacy rates. Unlike traditional vaccines, which use weakened or inactivated viruses, mRNA vaccines teach the body to create a protein that triggers an immune response.
This innovative approach has not only saved millions of lives during COVID-19 but is also being explored for use in cancer immunotherapy, HIV, and autoimmune disorders.
Why RFK Jr. Is Shutting Down mRNA Projects
Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, explained his rationale in a social media video, stating that the mRNA-based programs were "troubled" and less reliable when viruses mutate. Instead, he emphasized a renewed focus on whole-virus vaccines and alternative vaccine technologies.
“We’re prioritizing safer, broader strategies that don’t collapse when viruses evolve,” Kennedy said, suggesting his department will support non-mRNA vaccine development going forward.
However, Kennedy provided no specific alternatives or timelines for how these new platforms would be funded or developed.
Public Health Experts Call the Move “Dangerous”
Leading scientists and infectious disease experts are sounding the alarm. Dr. Mike Osterholm, a top pandemic preparedness advisor at the University of Minnesota, called it:
“One of the most dangerous public health decisions I’ve witnessed in 50 years.”
Experts warn that pulling the plug on mRNA research now could cripple America’s ability to rapidly respond to future pandemics, especially ones caused by fast-mutating viruses.
Dr. Paul Offit of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia added, “mRNA vaccines have saved millions of lives. Halting development now, especially amid bird flu concerns, is incredibly short-sighted.”
mRNA: Not Just for COVID-19
Despite Kennedy’s move, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that other mRNA-related research programs within the agency will continue — but it’s unclear which areas will remain untouched.
Meanwhile, tech and health innovators like Oracle founder Larry Ellison have praised mRNA as a breakthrough in personalized medicine, particularly in cancer treatment.
“The potential to use mRNA for targeted cancer therapy could revolutionize medicine,” Ellison said earlier this year at a White House innovation summit.
What’s Next for U.S. Vaccine Strategy?
The cancellation of these projects highlights a major shift in U.S. public health policy under RFK Jr., who has already:
Fired the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel
Rolled back COVID-19 vaccine guidance
Replaced science-based advisory boards with ideologically aligned members
HHS stated it plans to "invest in better solutions" but provided no concrete plans for what those new vaccine platforms would involve.
Key Takeaway:
RFK Jr. cancels $500 million in mRNA vaccine research, halting 22 projects
Experts fear the move puts national health at risk during future pandemics
New focus on whole-virus and non-mRNA vaccines lacks clear direction
Ongoing mRNA research in cancer and other areas may be unaffected—for now
SOC 2 in Days, Not Quarters.
Delve gets you SOC 2, HIPAA, and more—fast. AI automates the grunt work so you're compliant in just 15 hours. Lovable, 11x, and Bland unlocked millions.
We’ll even migrate you from your old platform.
beehiiv readers: $1,000 off + free AirPods with code BEEHIV1KOFF.