In a major shift in US health policy, Health and Human Services (HHS) under Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has cancelled 22 projects focussed on developing mRNA-based vaccines, according to a report published by The Associated Press on Wednesday. The projects, worth $500 million, were aimed at tackling respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and bird flu, the report said.
Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, made the announcement Tuesday, saying the move reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to “safer, broader vaccine strategies.”
Replacing mRNA with ‘Whole-Virus’ Approaches
In a video shared on social media, Kennedy criticised the mRNA vaccine programs led by major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna.
“To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we are prioritising the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don’t collapse when viruses mutate,” he said, per AP.
We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted. 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… pic.twitter.com/GPKbuU7ywN
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) August 5, 2025
Kennedy has already taken several controversial steps since assuming leadership of the HHS, including firing the vaccine advisory panel and softening the federal stance on COVID-19 vaccines amid a growing measles outbreak.
Scientists Warn of Dangerous Consequences
Public health experts are sounding the alarm, emphasising that mRNA vaccines allow for faster production, which is a crucial factor in the pandemic response.
Dr. Mike Osterholm, an infectious disease expert from the University of Minnesota, told the US-based news agency, “I don’t think I have seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business.”
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, noted, “It’s certainly saved millions of lives,” referring to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
What’s Next? A Push for ‘Natural Immunity’ Alternatives
Kennedy said the administration is now working on a “universal vaccine” approach that aims to mimic natural immunity and work against multiple viruses.
“It could be effective — we believe it is going to be effective against not only coronaviruses, but also flu,” he reportedly said during a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska, alongside Alaska’s Republican American senators.
HHS Clarifies Scope of the Cuts
While mRNA-based vaccine development for respiratory viruses is being shelved, the US federal health agency said other uses of the technology remain unaffected.
“The abandoned mRNA projects signal a shift in vaccine development priorities,” the department said, according to AP. “Let me be absolutely clear, the HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them,” Kennedy added.
