In justifying the government’s termination of $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine projects, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claimed mRNA vaccines “fail to protect effectively” against COVID-19 and suggested they are unsafe. The mRNA shots saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and have shown promise against influenza.
The projects had been funded by HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which is tasked with preparing the U.S. for public health emergencies such as pandemics. HHS announced that BARDA also would not be funding any new vaccine projects that use mRNA technology.
“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,” Kennedy said in an Aug. 5 press release. “We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”
It is unclear which studies or experts Kennedy is citing, but his claims are contradicted by the peer-reviewed scientific literature and are counter to many experts. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been used widely around the world, and studies have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness and safety. Moreover, the mRNA vaccines, which can easily be updated to target new virus variants, have continued to provide protection even as...
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