The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has cancelled $500m in funding for mRNA vaccines, ending 22 federal contracts including one with Moderna for a bird flu vaccine. The move, announced by HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, has sparked concern among scientists who fear it could increase vaccine hesitancy and make the world less safe.
Kennedy stated that funding would be redirected towards "safer, broader vaccine platforms" and claimed mRNA vaccines failed to protect effectively against Covid and flu. However, researchers have rejected these assertions, noting that mRNA jabs saved millions of lives during the pandemic and do not increase virus mutation rates.
Prof Robin Shattock of Imperial College London said there was no evidence to support Kennedy's claims about mutation. Prof Andrew Pollard of the Oxford Vaccine Group defended the technology, highlighting its speed and consistency compared to traditional methods.
Kennedy has a long history of spreading vaccine misinformation, including linking vaccines to autism. Despite his actions, other countries continue to invest in mRNA research, which also shows promise for cancer treatments.
