In a dramatic shift for U.S. health policy, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cancellation of nearly $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development, claiming the technology poses more risks than benefits.
This controversial decision impacts 22 critical projects that had previously shown promise in combating respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza, raising alarm among public health experts and scientists.
Critics, including prominent politicians and health authorities, are decrying the cuts as a reckless move that threatens to undermine years of progress in vaccine innovation and public health safety.
The backlash highlights concerns that cutting these funds could significantly hinder future vaccine development and ongoing cancer research that utilizes mRNA technology.
Kennedy's actions are seen as emblematic of his long-standing anti-vaccine stance, sparking a fierce debate on the efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines, which played a vital role during the pandemic.
This shift in funding priorities signals a potential regression in vaccine research, as the administration appears to favor older, traditional vaccine technologies over the revolutionary advancements of mRNA.
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