RFK Jr. Secures $500 Million Investment to Transform Vaccine Development

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Health and Human Services is pulling funding for several vaccine projects aimed at fighting respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday that 22 mRNA vaccine projects, worth $500 million, will be halted.

Kennedy’s stance reflects his long-standing skepticism about vaccines. Recently, he has questioned COVID-19 vaccines, dismissed recommendations from expert panels, and avoided strong endorsements during a measles outbreak.

In a social media video, Kennedy criticized mRNA vaccines and explained the halt in projects from major companies like Pfizer and Moderna, which have developed vaccines for COVID-19 and other viruses. He stated, “We’re focusing on safer vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines that don’t falter when viruses mutate.”

However, many experts warn this decision is concerning. Infectious disease specialists stress that mRNA technology has been crucial in the fight against COVID-19. Mike Osterholm from the University of Minnesota called it “the most dangerous decision in public health in my 50-year career.” He pointed out that mRNA vaccines can be produced rapidly, which is vital during pandemics.

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, echoed these concerns. He emphasized that mRNA vaccines have saved countless lives and that shelving these projects is shortsighted, especially with fears of a bird flu pandemic on the horizon.

The use of mRNA extends beyond vaccines. Researchers are exploring its potential for cancer treatments. Earlier this year, tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison highlighted mRNA’s promise in cancer therapy at a White House event.

Traditionally, vaccines were made by growing viruses in eggs or cell cultures. In contrast, mRNA vaccines use genetic code to instruct the body to create a protective response itself. The HHS reassured that other mRNA initiatives are still moving forward despite this funding reduction.

Currently, mRNA technology has been approved for COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, but not yet for flu shots. Moderna was looking into a combined vaccine for COVID-19 and the flu, noting that mRNA could expedite flu vaccine development.

This move indicates a shift in how the health department is prioritizing vaccine development. Kennedy stated that the focus now is on creating a “universal vaccine” that could mimic natural immunity against both coronaviruses and the flu.

As this situation unfolds, it underlines a critical debate in public health. Balancing safety and innovation in vaccine development will determine how effectively we can respond to both current and future health crises.



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Medication, Immunizations, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Coronavirus, Medical research, Alaska, Philadelphia, District of Columbia, Anchorage, General news, COVID-19, Moderna, Inc., Health, Washington news, Pfizer Inc., Larry Ellison, Paul Offit