The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., canceled $500 million in contracts for mRNA vaccine development. This decision, criticized by infectious disease experts, halts 22 projects targeting COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory viruses. Kennedy cited a desire for safer, broader vaccine strategies like whole-virus vaccines, despite mRNA's proven efficacy and potential in pandemic response and cancer therapies. The HHS maintains support for safe and effective vaccines, emphasizing a shift toward alternative vaccine development approaches.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.