US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr’s decision to slash funding for mRNA cancer vaccines has sparked outrage among medical experts and families affected by the disease. The move could lead to a shortage of life-saving treatments, discouraging private investment and prompting top scientists to leave the country.
Kennedy’s stance on vaccines is at odds with the majority of medical experts, who believe they have saved more lives than any other public health advance in history. COVID-19 vaccines alone have saved nearly 20 million lives globally in their first year. mRNA vaccines hold great promise for treating cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and diabetes.
Despite this, Kennedy has repeatedly expressed his skepticism about the technology, citing “decades of knowledge” that he believes is wrong. However, without mRNA vaccines, COVID-19 would likely still be spreading death and disability across the globe. The DNA of cancer cells is variable, making personalized treatment possible with mRNA-based vaccines. Over 120 clinical trials on cancer vaccines are underway.
As one in two women and one in three men will get cancer in their lifetime, Kennedy’s actions could have devastating consequences. Cancer is the second leading cause of death, claiming 600,000 American lives annually. Young people are getting more aggressive cancers that are growing more quickly, making diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.
Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative has been widely criticized for its lack of scientific basis. The decision to cut funding for mRNA vaccines will have a disproportionate impact on those who need it most – cancer patients. As families struggle to cope with the disease, Kennedy’s actions are a cruel farce, leaving millions without access to life-saving treatments.
Source: https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/08/13/rfk-jr-is-increasing-your-risk-of-dying-from-cancer