The Ministry of Health and Human Services (HHS) will cancel the contracts and stop financing 22 vaccine development projects in the total amount of $ 500 million, said Minister of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Wednesday 6th August). Clue initiatives included primarily the use of MRNA technology to develop vaccines for respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and H5N1.
“This decision means a shift in the priorities of vaccine development,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that it was planned to “invest in better solutions.”
Kennedy’s skepticism of the vaccine
This step is underlined by Kennedy’s long -term skepticism towards MRNA vaccines. Since joining the office, the panel was responsible for the recommendation of the vaccine and reduced the federal instructions for vaccination against COVID-19-i when the outbreak of measles expanded in parts of the country.
In a video published on the social media, Kennedy said: “To replace MRNA problem programs, we prefer the development of safer and wider vaccines such as the entire viral vaccines and new platforms that are not threatened.”
Experts warn against “dangerous” failure in public health
Public health experts responded with the alarm and described this step as a short -sighted and potentially dangerous.
“I do not think I have seen more dangerous public health decisions over 50 years,” said Mike Osterholm, a leading infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota.
Osterholm and others stressed that MRNA technology has allowed the rapid development of the vaccine during the Koronavir Pandemy 2020 and remains necessary for a rapid response to future viral threats.
Bird flu and future pandemic with a key problem
Specialist in Dr. Paul offit from the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia said that this step came in a particularly risky time, because concerns about the rise of bird flu pandemic.
“It certainly saved millions of lives,” said Offit about Covid-19 vaccines based on MRNA. “Leaving us now disadvantages us.”
What is MRNA technology?
Unlike traditional vaccines that often require growing viral particles in eggs or large bathtubs, MRNA vaccines work by supplying a genetic plan to the body, causing cells to create a harmless protein that causes an immune response.
This method is not only faster, but also more adaptable – a key asset in solving fast -mutating viruses such as flu or coronavirus.
HHS: Other MRNA applications will continue
Despite the abolition of HHS projects, she explained that other MRNA -related programs would not be affected. This technology is examined for use beyond infectious diseases, including cancer immunotherapy.
“Let me be absolutely clear, HHS supports safe and effective vaccines for every American who wants them,” Kennedy said in his statement.
“Universal Vaccine” in works, says Kennedy
At the Anchorage press conference, Alaska, which took place for hours after the announcement, Kennedy stood alongside the Republican Senators in Alaska to reveal that work on an alternative vaccine strategy was underway.
He said that his administration develops a “universal vaccine” designed to imitate natural immunity and provide protection from more viruses.
“It could be effective – we believe it will be effective – against not only coronavirus but also flu,” Kennedy said.
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