'Dangerous decision in public health': Experts react to RFK Jr.'s vaccine cuts
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said his department would slash funding for mRNA vaccine research and shift its focus to "whole-virus" and "universal vaccines" instead.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said his department would slash funding for mRNA vaccine research and shift its focus to "whole-virus" and "universal vaccines" instead.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said his department would slash funding for mRNA vaccine research and shift its focus to "whole-virus" and "universal vaccines" instead.
The Department of Health and Human Services, affecting about 22 programs researching technology that has been credited for saving millions of lives.
, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is skeptical of vaccines and has spread conspiracy theories about them, made dubious claims about mRNA shots.
"We're prioritizing the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don't collapse when viruses mutate," Kennedy said.
But experts say Kennedy's video misrepresents years of research. In the video, he claimed that mRNA vaccines are ineffective once a virus mutates and creates a new strain. He further stated that mRNA vaccines encourage virus mutations and do not protect against infection.
"I don't think I've seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business," said Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparations.
Experts say the goal of mRNA technology is to prevent serious infection or death, not guarantee no infection, as was the case with COVID-19 vaccines. Messenger RNA is also used in vaccines for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and was being researched for flu shots, which currently use a different method for protection.
Kennedy says the HHS will now focus on "whole virus" and "universal vaccines" that provide broader protection and mimic natural immunity instead. Some examples of these types of vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox, polio and flu vaccines.
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