HHS cancels $500 million mRNA vaccine contract to transfer funds to “safer” strategy

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (HHS) announced on Tuesday that it had cancelled a total of about $500 million in 22 mRNA vaccine development contracts totaling about $500 million.

mRNA investment is part of the Government’s Advanced Research and Development Bureau of Biomedical Sciences (Barda), a division of HHS that drives some of the most people in the country Advanced scientific research, For example, developing vaccines, drugs and other tools with national health threats. The termination of the 22 Barda contracts followed several weeks of internal review to determine the path forward in these investments.

“We reviewed science, listened to experts, and took action,” HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday. “Barda is terminating investment in 22 mRNA vaccine development as data show that these vaccines are unable to effectively protect upper respiratory infections such as Covid and Covid and Flu.

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Kennedy said in a short video that these benefits simply do not outweigh the risks associated with mRNA vaccines.

Kennedy continues to point out that it is not just mRNA vaccines – as in 2019 Coronavirus Pandemic – Poor performance against viruses infected with the upper respiratory tract, but they also cannot defend against mutations in the virus they intend to pursue.

“This dynamic drives a phenomenon called anal metastasis, which means vaccines paradoxically encourage new mutations and can actually prolong the circulation because the virus keeps mutating to escape the protective effect of the vaccine,” Kennedy said in the video.

For example, HHS Secretary The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus was pointed out, which infected millions, including those who were vaccinated with Covid.

“Single mutations can invalidate the mRNA vaccine,” Kebbedy added, noting that the same risk applies to the flu virus.

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The move to cancel the mRNA contract led by Barda will not completely cancel all mRNA vaccine research done by the government, a source familiar with the move. Besides allowing some final stage contracts to run their courses to retain previous taxpayer investments, the ongoing mRNA research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will not be affected by this latest move.

In this composite image, HHS Secretary RFK JR testified before the House Appropriations Committee on May 14, 2025 and saw a close-up of the Covid vaccine injection in the opposite panel. (Getty Image)

Meanwhile, HHS will replace Barda’s terminated mRNA research and investment and will focus on “safeer and broader vaccine strategies.” Kennedy noted.

“To replace the troubled mRNA program, we prioritize safer, broader development Vaccine strategy Like the entire virus vaccine and new platforms, the virus does not collapse when it mutates. ”

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In the video, Kennedy reiterates his support for any American who wants them “safe, effective vaccine.”

“That’s why we go beyond the limitations of mRNA respiratory viruses and invest in better solutions.”