The federal government has cut $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research, citing concerns over their effectiveness against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the announcement, stating that “the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively.” The decision has sparked criticism from the scientific community.
mRNA vaccines work by using genetic code to manufacture a protein, which triggers the body’s immune response. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines can be developed and tested in months, not years. They also do not interact with DNA and are discarded after use.
The move is significant, as it affects contracts with pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. The Health and Human Services (HHS) agency had provided billions of dollars for vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Kennedy’s decision may impact the availability of COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
As a vaccine skeptic, Kennedy has been critical of COVID-19 vaccines, calling them “the deadliest ever made.” The cancellation of funding also affects other research and development projects. The scientific community is divided over the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, with some questioning their long-term efficacy.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2025/08/06/how-mrna-vaccines-work/85540295007