U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday that the administration will terminate 22 vaccine development projects totaling $500 million, citing safety concerns surrounding mRNA technology. The move halts federal funding for research targeting respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and H5N1 bird flu, including projects led by pharmaceutical leaders Pfizer and Moderna.
“To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we’re prioritizing the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don’t collapse when viruses mutate,” Kennedy said in a video posted to social media.
The cancellation of the mRNA-based projects reflects a broader shift in Kennedy’s approach to vaccine policy. Since taking office, Kennedy has dismissed the advisory panel responsible for national vaccine recommendations, dialed back federal support for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, and declined to offer strong endorsements for immunization even amid a growing measles outbreak.
Public health experts immediately sounded alarms over the decision. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota, called it “the most dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business.” He emphasized the critical role mRNA technology played in the rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic and warned that future outbreaks would be harder to contain without similar tools. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, echoed the concern, describing the decision as “short-sighted,” particularly as global health agencies monitor the potential spread of bird flu.
At a press conference held Tuesday in Anchorage, Kennedy appeared alongside Republican U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, where he outlined the administration’s new strategy. Kennedy stated that the government is now focused on creating a “universal vaccine” designed to mimic natural immunity, with hopes it will offer broad protection against both flu and coronaviruses.
Outside the venue, protesters gathered in opposition to the decision, holding signs and chanting as Kennedy met with Alaska Native leaders at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The announcement comes amid growing scientific interest in mRNA applications not only for infectious disease prevention but also for cancer immunotherapies. Earlier this year, tech billionaire Larry Ellison praised mRNA’s potential in cancer treatment during a White House summit.
Despite halting new funding, the Department of Health and Human Services clarified that current uses of approved mRNA vaccines, such as those for COVID-19 and RSV, will not be impacted by this decision. Moderna’s efforts to develop a combined mRNA-based flu and COVID shot were among the projects affected.
In a statement, the department said the cancellation reflects a “shift in vaccine development priorities” and reiterated its commitment to supporting “safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them.” Kennedy reaffirmed that message during his remarks, insisting that the government’s pivot is aimed at long-term safety and resilience. Still, many in the scientific community warn the decision could set back pandemic preparedness and jeopardize public health progress made in recent years.
