In a significant shift in health policy, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., declared on Tuesday that his department is discontinuing investments and contracts related to mRNA vaccine development.
This decision comes in light of scientific studies indicating that mRNA technology may present "more risks than benefits."
According to Breitbart, Kennedy Jr. explained the role of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division within HHS. "BARDA drives some of our most advanced scientific research. It funds developments of vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and other tools to fight emerging diseases and national health threats," he said.
Kennedy Jr. disclosed that BARDA recently examined 22 mRNA vaccine development investments and initiated their cancellation. He justified this decision by highlighting the ineffectiveness of mRNA vaccines against viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract, such as the flu or COVID-19.
"Heres the problem: mRNA only codes for a small part of the viral proteins usually a single antigen. One mutation, and the vaccine becomes ineffective. This dynamic drives a phenomenon called antigenic shift, meaning that the vaccine paradoxically encourages new mutations and can actually prolong pandemics, as the virus constantly mutates to escape the protective effects of the vaccine," Kennedy Jr. elaborated.
The HHS Secretary further pointed out the real-world implications of this issue, stating, "Millions of people, maybe even you or someone you know, caught the Omicron variant, despite being vaccinated. Thats because a single mutation can make mRNA vaccines ineffective."
Following a comprehensive review of scientific evidence and consultations with top experts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kennedy Jr. announced that "the HHS has determined that mRNA technology poses more risk than benefits for these respiratory viruses." Consequently, BARDA has commenced the termination of these 22 contracts, amounting to nearly $500 million.
In lieu of mRNA programs, the HHS Secretary affirmed that his department will prioritize "the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that dont collapse when viruses mutate." He emphasized, "Let me be absolutely clear: HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. Thats why were moving beyond the limitations or mRNA for respiratory viruses and investing in better solutions."
Despite the initial enthusiasm from U.S. lawmakers, the establishment press, and pharmaceutical representatives for the new mRNA vaccine developed in response to the Chinese coronavirus pandemic, concerns about its safety have emerged. On June 25, the FDA updated its requirements for Pfizer and Moderna "to include new safety information about the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines," the agency said.
The FDA further clarified, "The warning on myocarditis and pericarditis in the Prescribing Information for Comirnaty and Spikevax has been updated to convey that the observed risk of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines has been highest in males 12 through 24 years of age."
This policy shift underscores the need for a cautious approach to vaccine development and the importance of continually reassessing the safety and efficacy of new technologies. It also serves as a reminder that while innovation is crucial in combating health threats, it must be balanced with rigorous scientific scrutiny to ensure the well-being of the public.
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