The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Tuesday that it is canceling 22 contracts related to the development of mRNA vaccines, amounting to nearly $500 million. This move is part of the government’s efforts through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency (BARDA), which focuses on advancing scientific research, including vaccines and medications for various health threats.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that the decision followed a thorough review of scientific insights and expert opinions. He stated that the discontinuation of these contracts is due to findings that the mRNA vaccines do not adequately protect against upper respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and the flu. The funds will now be redirected towards vaccines that maintain effectiveness even as the virus mutates.
In a brief video, Kennedy expressed concerns about the risks versus the benefits of mRNA vaccines. He noted that, as seen during the pandemic, these vaccines struggle against upper respiratory viruses and don’t provide protection against viral mutations.
He even mentioned a phenomenon termed “anozic shift,” where vaccines might inadvertently promote new mutations, prolonging the pandemic as the virus adapts to evade the vaccine’s protection. Kennedy pointed to the omicron variant of COVID-19 as an example of how single mutations can render mRNA vaccines less effective, a risk that also applies to the influenza virus.
While the cancellation of these mRNA contracts is significant, it doesn’t mean that all mRNA research conducted by the government is coming to an end. Existing contracts that are nearing completion will still proceed to protect earlier taxpayer investments, and ongoing mRNA research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) remains unchanged.
Looking ahead, HHS plans to prioritize “safer and broader vaccine strategies” to replace the terminated mRNA programs, focusing on vaccines that do not falter with viral mutations. Kennedy reaffirmed his commitment to supporting “safe and effective vaccines” for those who choose to receive them and reiterated an investment in improved solutions beyond the limitations of current respiratory virus mRNA technologies.
