Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday his plans to cancel $500 million in vaccine development projects, marking a significant shift in federal health policy. The decision targets all projects that utilize mRNA technology, the same platform used in COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. Kennedy, who has long been critical of vaccines, stated that the move follows a comprehensive review of scientific evidence.
According to Politico, in a video posted on the social platform X, Kennedy, whose distinctive raspy voice is caused by spasmodic dysphonia, explained the rationale behind the decision. He said that after reviewing the science and consulting with top experts at the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services determined that mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits for respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.
