In a recent social media clip, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his strong opposition to vaccines, made a controversial announcement regarding public health funding.
Kennedy stated that he is terminating nearly $500 million allocated for the development of mRNA-based vaccines aimed at combating diseases with pandemic potential. This funding will be rescinded from 22 contracts that were previously awarded through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the federal agency responsible for advancing medical countermeasures to public health threats.
In his recent video, Kennedy incorrectly asserted that “the pandemic showed us, mRNA vaccines don’t perform well against viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract.” Contrary to this claim, data suggests that COVID-19 vaccines have saved over 3 million lives in the United States within the initial two years of the pandemic, while also preventing more than 18 million hospitalizations. Most of the COVID-19 vaccines administered in the US utilize mRNA technology.
The video proceeded to introduce further dubious claims. Kennedy stated:
Here’s the problem: mRNA only codes for a small part of 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.
Fact-check
To clarify these assertions, it’s essential to understand how mRNA vaccines operate. These vaccines work by delivering a piece of genetic material—in the form of messenger RNA (mRNA)—into cells. The cells then translate this mRNA into a protein that can prompt the immune system to recognize it as a target, resulting in the production of antibodies and a cell-based immune response. This way, if the immune system encounters the actual virus or germ, it is prepared to respond effectively. The pieces of genetic material that stimulate an immune response are known as antigens.
