RFK Jr. cuts $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts

mRNA Vaccine Funding & Research - Nearly $500 million in grants and contracts for developing mRNA vaccines has been cut [1] - The government will prioritize the development of whole virus vaccines instead of mRNA vaccines for upper respiratory infections, with 22 trials cancelled [2][3] - mRNA vaccines may still be useful for some illnesses, including cancers [3] - A universal vaccine is under development at NIH, designed to mimic natural immunity and be effective against various viruses, including coronaviruses and flu [3][4] Political Implications - The decision to cut mRNA vaccine funding may resonate with extremists but could alienate middle America who viewed the COVID vaccine favorably [5][6] - This decision is perceived as part of a broader pattern of the administration governing in ways that are unpopular with the American middle [10][11] - The move is linked to concerns about the administration's overall political standing and potential losses in the House of Representatives [7][8] - The administration's extremism is seen as broadly unpopular, impacting approval ratings on issues like the economy and immigration [9][10]