HHS Cancels 22 mRNA Vaccine Contracts, Citing Ineffectiveness Against Respiratory Viruses

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – In a sweeping move that marks a major shift in U.S. vaccine policy, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Tuesday it has canceled 22 contracts worth nearly $500 million related to mRNA vaccine development. The decision follows a weeks-long internal review by HHS’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explained that the cancellations stem from scientific data showing mRNA vaccines are not sufficiently effective against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu. The review also raised concerns about the vaccines’ inability to cope with viral mutations.

“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” said Kennedy in a video statement. “BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”

Among the terminated awards is over $750 million in funding previously allocated to Moderna for developing mRNA-based bird flu vaccines. Other affected entities include Emory University, Tiba Biotech, Luminary Labs, ModeX, and Seqirus. Several pre-award proposals from major pharmaceutical firms, including Pfizer and Sanofi Pasteur, were also rejected under the move.

Kennedy cited the emergence of variants like Omicron–which infected millions, including the vaccinated–as evidence of mRNA’s shortcomings. “A single mutation can make mRNA vaccines ineffective,” he said, warning that these technologies may even fuel viral evolution through a phenomenon known as “antigenic shift.”

While final-stage mRNA contracts with companies like Arcturus and Amplitude will be allowed to run their course to protect prior taxpayer investments, no new BARDA mRNA projects will be initiated. HHS also instructed its investment partner, Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC), to halt all mRNA-related equity investments.

Despite the decision, mRNA research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will continue unaffected.

The HHS Secretary emphasized that the department still supports vaccines, but is now pivoting toward alternatives with stronger safety records and efficacy, such as whole-virus vaccines and next-generation platforms that remain stable even as viruses mutate.

“Let me be absolutely clear,” Kennedy stated, “HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions.”

The announcement signals a broader reorientation of federal vaccine policy, moving away from emergency-era technologies that failed to meet long-term scientific standards in favor of more robust, transparent, and ethically grounded vaccine development.

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