HHS cancels $500 million in grants for mRNA vaccines
Health and Human Services Department Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccines and said he would phase out their development 鈹 a decision public health and security experts dangerous, particularly given the H5N1 avian flu threat. Brett Giroir, MD, former HHS Assistant Secretary for Health under the first Trump Administration, said mRNA vaccines are 鈥渙ur best rapid response platform, and there is no substitute for it.鈥 The move U.S. medical innovation, including new treatments for cancer. Separately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer medical and professional organizations to assist the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in evaluating evidence and providing feedback on vaccine recommendations, saying the groups are biased. (HHS , 8/5/25)