HHS ends millions in federal funding for mRNA vaccines

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is winding down its mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the agency announced Tuesday. 

“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. The winding down will include the cancellation of some contracts with a total worth of about $500 million.  

“BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms...