HHS Ends BARDA Funding for Future mRNA Vaccine Development, Citing Efficacy Concerns
**On August 6, 2025, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the termination of all future mRNA vaccine projects under BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) funding, impacting 22 projects and $500 million in investments (CBS News, Fierce Biotech).
**Kennedy stated the decision was made because ‘data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu’ (STAT News).
**The move halts new mRNA-based projects, although a few late-stage contracts (e.g., with Arcturus and Amplitude) will be allowed to finish to ‘preserve prior taxpayer investment’ (AHA, STAT News).
**Kennedy’s assertion about poor mRNA vaccine performance is disputed; studies and public health officials maintain that mRNA vaccines were found safe and effective against COVID-19, with their rapid development credited for saving millions of lives (CBS News).
**The decision has been strongly criticized by vaccine experts and pandemic preparedness advocates, who warn it could severely delay U.S. readiness for future pandemics (STAT News).