RFK Jr. halts COVID and flu vaccine funding over concerns

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced it will phase out dozens of mRNA-based vaccine development projects, marking a major shift in the country’s vaccine strategy.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the move affects 22 contracts totaling nearly $500 million and includes vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses. Kennedy cited growing concerns about the durability of mRNA technology, claiming these vaccines can become ineffective due to viral mutations, and may even encourage viruses to evolve faster.

Instead, the government will redirect funding toward more stable vaccine platforms such as whole-virus vaccines and newer alternatives that are less likely to break down as viruses mutate.

Major pharmaceutical companies including Moderna, Pfizer, Sanofi, and CSL Seqirus are impacted by the decision. While the HHS insists it still fully supports vaccination, the shift reflects a push for broader, longer-lasting protection in future pandemics.

Some scientists, however, have urged caution, saying the science behind the decision needs further validation. This change comes as part of a broader reevaluation of vaccine policy under RFK Jr.’s leadership, who has long voiced skepticism about existing pharmaceutical approaches.