Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Cancels $500 Million in mRNA Vaccine Projects, Including for COVID and Flu

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cancelled 22 mRNA vaccine projects worth $500 million, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. The projects targeted COVID-19, influenza, and bird flu. Kennedy believes mRNA vaccines are "troubled" and fail when viruses mutate, and plans to focus on safer and more durable vaccine types instead. The move has shocked health experts and Big Pharma, who depend on government support for vaccine research and development.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the cancellation of 22 mRNA vaccine projects worth $500 million, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The projects, aimed at combating COVID-19, influenza, and bird flu, were led by major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and Moderna Inc. (MRNA) [1].

Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic, cited the failure of mRNA vaccines to effectively protect against upper respiratory infections and their susceptibility to viral mutations as reasons for the cancellation. He stated that the department would shift its focus to "safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don't collapse when viruses mutate" [1].

The move has sparked shock among health experts and pharmaceutical companies, which rely on government support for vaccine research and development. Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDA's top vaccine official, had previously limited the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna and Novavax Inc. (NVAX) to higher-risk individuals, further highlighting the concerns surrounding mRNA vaccines [2].

Kennedy's decision signals a broader shift in federal vaccine development priorities. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) will now focus on platforms with stronger safety records and transparent clinical and manufacturing data practices. Technologies that failed to meet current scientific standards will be phased out in favor of evidence-based, ethically grounded solutions [3].

The cancellation of these projects has significant implications for the vaccine industry and the country's pandemic preparedness. Vaccine experts have expressed concern that this move will leave the United States vulnerable to future public health emergencies [3].

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/08/46888794/rfk-jr-halts-500-million-in-mrna-vaccine-projects-backed-by-pfizer-moderna-were-prioritizing-safer-broader-strategies
[2] https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-winds-down-mrna-development-under-barda.html
[3] https://www.statnews.com/2025/08/05/mrna-vaccine-development-canceled-by-kennedy-hhs/