Kennedy Jr. cancels $500M mRNA contracts, ignites pandemic preparedness debate

In a sweeping and controversial decision, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has terminated nearly $500 million in federal contracts and grants earmarked for the development of mRNA vaccines, citing scientific reviews that question the technology’s efficacy against respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.

Announcing the move late Tuesday, Kennedy stated: “We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted. 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 that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”

Mary Holland, CEO of Children’s Health Defense (CHD), said: “The mRNA vaccines have not been fit for purpose. Indeed, the overwhelming evidence suggests that they were injurious and deadly to millions… CHD believes the COVID mRNA injections should be off the market, but we applaud this important step in the right direction.”

Sasha Latypova, a former pharmaceutical executive and whistleblower, called the cancellation “a small symbolic step,” but emphasized that far more needs to be done.

“This is small change compared to the billions already handed to Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and others for these toxic, ineffective medical countermeasures,” she said, noting that Pfizer and Moderna each received over $10 billion in early government grants.

Latypova also questioned why mRNA vaccines currently on the market remain approved despite mounting evidence of adverse effects and regulatory shortcuts.

“The FDA continues to approve new versions of mRNA from ‘preferred’ companies, while putting U.S. public health and safety at risk,” she warned.

However, many mainstream scientists and public health experts expressed alarm over the decision, arguing it could undermine the nation’s preparedness for future pandemics.

Rick Bright, former head of BARDA, criticized the move as “undermining our ability to rapidly counter future biological threats.”

Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, pushed back against Kennedy’s claims, saying:

“Had we not used these lifesaving mRNA vaccines to protect against severe illness, we would have had millions more COVID deaths.”

Several media outlets reiterated the prevailing narrative that mRNA vaccines are “safe and effective,” but critics say those claims are outdated or unsupported by emerging data.

Independent studies, including two large investigations from the Cleveland Clinic, have found that mRNA vaccines failed to prevent infection and that individuals receiving multiple doses were, paradoxically, more likely to contract COVID-19.

Additional concerns have been raised about serious side effects, such as heart inflammation, abnormal clotting, and autoimmune disorders. In May, the FDA ordered updated warning labels for mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna to include risks of myocarditis and pericarditis.

Moreover, critics argue that mRNA products were rushed through regulatory processes under emergency use authorization, with inadequate safety, toxicology, and long-term studies.

“Despite mainstream media’s attempt to suggest that the COVID vaccines ‘slowed the pandemic,’ the evidence strongly points the other way,” said Holland. “The shots prolonged the crisis and raised the risk of infection and disease spread.”

The decision has also renewed scrutiny of BARDA’s broader mission. Critics say the agency has operated with too little transparency and oversight.

Dr. Meryl Nass, a bioweapons expert and vocal opponent of pandemic policy excesses, said Kennedy’s move should be only the beginning:

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“Why not defund all the bird flu and monkeypox vaccine contracts too? BARDA has spent tens of billions of dollars on products that haven’t been delivered. It’s time we reexamine the entire concept of pandemic preparedness.”

Nass also questioned the belief that vaccines could be developed fast enough to counter new biothreats.

“That idea has never worked, and there’s no theory to support it.”

Latypova echoed similar concerns, accusing HHS of failing to disclose that most mRNA products are still classified as military countermeasures and not subject to standard pharmaceutical laws.

“The public has no consumer safety protection here. These vaccines are regulated outside the framework meant to protect patients.”

This includes a fast-tracked FDA program for self-replicating mRNA flu vaccines by Arcturus Therapeutics, a contract that was notably not canceled in this new directive.

Jon Fleetwood, a Substack journalist covering vaccine safety, said that while the cancellations are welcome, they are selective.

“They’re stopping some mRNA vaccine projects while protecting others. That still leaves the door wide open to the next pandemic panic and its lucrative countermeasures.”