Reflecting broader concerns about safety and a push for fiscal responsibility, the Trump administration has canceled a vaccine development contract.
The decision specifically targets a $766 million Moderna contract for an experimental bird flu vaccine.
It redirects taxpayer funds away from untested mRNA technology toward more established vaccine platforms.
The Health and Human Services Department notified Moderna Inc. that it was terminating a $766 million contract awarded last year for developing an mRNA vaccine against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including the H5N1 bird flu.
Provided through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the funding included $176 million awarded in July 2024 and an additional $590 million in January 2025.
HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon explained the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing concerns about the safety of mRNA technology.
“After a rigorous review, we concluded that continued investment in Moderna’s H5N1 mRNA vaccine was not scientifically or ethically justifiable,” Nixon stated.
The Trump administration’s move represents a significant shift in America’s pandemic preparedness strategy, prioritizing traditional vaccine platforms with established safety records over newer, more controversial technologies.
The decision aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s well-documented skepticism about mRNA vaccines, which were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health and Human Services Communications Director Andrew Nixon stated:
“This is not simply about efficacy—it’s about safety, integrity, and trust. The reality is that mRNA technology remains under-tested, and we are not going to spend taxpayer dollars repeating the mistakes of the last administration, which concealed legitimate safety concerns from the public.”
The cancellation comes at a critical time when H5N1 bird flu has infected hundreds of animals across the United States, with at least 70 mild human cases and one death reported.
The virus has spread to multiple dairy herds and poultry farms, raising concerns about potential mutations that could lead to a more virulent strain or pandemic.
Moderna claims the timing is particularly unfortunate, as they had just announced positive interim results from an early-stage trial of their mRNA-1018 vaccine.
The study, which involved 300 healthy adults, reportedly showed a robust immune response and favorable safety profile.
Despite the funding termination, the company says it will explore alternative paths for continuing the vaccine program.
The decision has drawn criticism from several public health experts with ties to previous administrations.
Dr. Ashish Jha, who served in the Biden administration, claimed, “This decision puts the lives and health of the American people at risk.”
Jennifer Nuzzo from Brown University’s Pandemic Center expressed concern about the limited number of companies producing flu vaccines, warning about potential shortages during a pandemic.
Meanwhile, Michael Osterholm, another critic of the decision, suggested it could leave the country less prepared for a future influenza pandemic.
The Department of Health and Human Services has indicated that the funds will be redirected toward vaccine platforms with better-established safety profiles and transparent data practices.
