WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services plans to cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and the flu.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a statement Tuesday that 22 projects led by Moderna and Pfizer, totaling $500 million, to develop vaccines using mRNA technology will be halted.
“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” said Kennedy. “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. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”
Kennedy’s decision to terminate the projects is another in a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critic’s doubts about shots into full effect at the nation’s health department. Kennedy has pulled back recommendations around the COVID-19 shots, fired the panel that makes vaccine recommendations, and refused to offer a vigorous endorsement of vaccinations as a measles outbreak worsened.
“Let me be absolutely clear: HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions,” said Kennedy.
He gave no details on what those better solutions might be.
