The Department of Health and Human Services is canceling contracts and withdrawing funding for 22 mRNA vaccine projects aimed at combating COVID-19 and flu, totaling $500 million. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made this decision, reflecting his long-term skepticism about vaccines. He intends to shift focus to different vaccine strategies. Experts argue that this decision undermines progress made with mRNA technology, which has proven effective during the pandemic and is critical for future pandemic responses. Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of abandoning mRNA research amid ongoing health threats.
"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 the video.
Infectious disease experts say the mRNA technology used in vaccines is safe, and they credit its development during the first Trump administration with slowing the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
I don't think I've seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business," said Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparations.
The shelving of the mRNA projects is short-sighted as concerns about a bird flu pandemic increase.
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