RFK, Jr.Recklessly Halts Funding for mRNA Vaccine Development, Risks Future Pandemic Readiness
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced that that the federal government’s emergency preparedness agency will stop funding vaccine research using messenger RNA technology, a measure that undermines readiness for a future pandemic or public health emergency.
Funded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the 22 terminated projects have a total budget of $500 million. The announcement does not affect other uses of mRNA technology within the department.
Public Citizen Health Research Group Director Dr. Robert Steinbrook issued the following statement:
“The HHS Secretary continues a mindless assault on sound federal vaccine policy. The mRNA vaccine platform was essential to rapid vaccine development and deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains essential in preparing for future public health emergencies.
“According to Kennedy: “We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted.” What science? Which experts? Approaches to vaccine development should be publicly reviewed by federal advisory committees with independent experts, such as the Vaccines and Related Biological Advisory Committee at the Food and Drug Administration, not subject to arbitrary decisions by a HHS Secretary with fixed views about mRNA vaccine technology.”
“If vaccines are to be effectively used to prevent disease and save lives, Congress should restore funding for mRNA vaccine research and other funders must step up.”