The future of mRNA vaccine research faces uncertainty as U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. curtailed $500 million in government-funded projects aimed at mRNA vaccines targeting respiratory illnesses with pandemic potential. Experts warn that reverting to traditional vaccine production could slow response times drastically, potentially hindering global vaccination capacity during emergent pandemics. The decision has sparked dismay among infectious disease specialists who advocate for rapid mRNA-based vaccine development to mitigate future health crises.