RFK Jr. cancels $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts

US Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. has authorised the cancellation of 22 federally backed vaccine development programmes worth nearly $500 million, specifically those using mRNA technology to target respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID‑19 and H5N1. Kennedy asserts that these vaccines “do not protect effectively” against upper‑respiratory infections and prefers investment in broader, whole‑virus platforms he considers safer.

The affected contracts involve major players like Pfizer, Moderna, Sanofi Pasteur and CSL Seqirus. While HHS says some late‑stage projects will continue to completion to protect prior taxpayer investment, the shift marks a stark contrast to the mRNA‑focused strategies that were central to the COVID‑19 response.

Public health experts, including Mike Osterholm and Paul Offit, warn that the move could jeopardise future pandemic preparedness, given mRNA vaccines’ flexibility and track record in saving millions of lives. Other mRNA applications, for example in cancer vaccines, are reportedly unaffected.