US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced cancellation of approximately $500 million in funding for 22 mRNA vaccine research projects, including those targeting SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The decision reflects skepticism concerning the efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines, citing a controversial compilation of 375 studies. This move marks a significant policy shift away from mRNA vaccine development toward traditional whole-virus platforms, sparking outcry from scientific experts who highlight the strong safety record and benefits of mRNA technology established during the COVID-19 pandemic.