"The targeting of the vaccine technology once considered revolutionary follows intense criticism by conservatives and anti-vaccine activists." 

"Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday a crackdown on mRNA vaccine technology and research to develop it, following months of pressure from anti-vaccine activists.

According to HHS, the Trump administration has launched “a coordinated wind-down” of 22 mRNA projects supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the government’s biodefense agency. Other mRNA projects funded by HHS are not affected by the announcement.

The contracts will either be canceled or altered, according to HHS, including projects focused on creating an H5N1 bird flu vaccine and developing respiratory virus therapeutics."

Carolyn Y. Johnson and Rachel Roubein report for the Washington Post August 5, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"How Vaccine Policy Has Changed Under RFK Jr." (Washington Post) [3]