Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced a significant pause in the development of a new COVID-19 vaccine. He issued a 90-day stop work order on a multimillion-dollar contract with Vaxart Inc., a U.S. biotech company. This decision came just days before clinical trials involving 10,000 participants were set to begin.
Kennedy emphasized the importance of pandemic preparedness and the need to review vaccine production agreements. He pointed out the failures in oversight under the Biden administration, which necessitated this reassessment. Vaxart’s project is part of the larger $4.7 billion Project NextGen program initiated in 2023.
The funding for Vaxart’s vaccine development, amounting to $460 million, was allocated through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This authority operates under the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, managed by the HHS. Although the trial isn’t terminated, the next steps will be determined after a thorough review.
This pause coincided with the cancellation of an FDA vaccine advisory committee meeting. The committee was expected to choose strains for the upcoming flu season’s vaccine. Dr. Paul Offit, a committee member, shared that the FDA notified them of the cancellation via email.
The FDA often aligns with the World Health Organization’s recommendations on vaccine strains. The WHO is scheduled to meet soon to discuss the Northern Hemisphere’s next flu vaccines. Meanwhile, President Trump has initiated steps to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO.
Kennedy, confirmed as HHS Secretary on February 13, immediately began making waves with his actions. Trump signed an order establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, with Kennedy at the helm. The commission is tasked with addressing the chronic disease crisis in America.
Critics have labeled Kennedy as an “anti-vaxxer,” a claim he firmly denies. He advocates for vaccine safety and informed consent, stressing the need for solid scientific backing. Kennedy insists that people should have the choice to decide on vaccinations.
Under the previous administration, COVID-19 vaccines were mandated across various sectors. However, since Trump took office again, he’s been reversing those mandates. For instance, he reinstated service members dismissed for refusing the vaccine.
Kennedy aims to bring “radical transparency” to the HHS during his tenure. He plans to collaborate closely with staff to achieve this goal. Transparency, he believes, is essential for informed consent and democracy.
The decision to pause Vaxart’s contract aligns with Kennedy’s commitment to evaluating vaccine safety. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices also postponed its meeting. These meetings are crucial for reviewing vaccine data and making recommendations.
Kennedy also plans to review the childhood vaccine schedule as part of his duties. The MAHA Commission will investigate if vaccines, antidepressants, and pesticides contribute to chronic diseases. This year, many healthcare professionals have echoed the call for more research into vaccine efficacy and safety.
In January, Alberta, Canada, released a comprehensive report assessing its COVID-19 response. This initiative highlights the growing global emphasis on evaluating past decisions. It underscores the importance of learning and improving from past experiences.
Brittany Mays is a dedicated mother and passionate conservative news and opinion writer. With a sharp eye for current events and a commitment to traditional values, Brittany delivers thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping today’s world. Balancing her role as a parent with her love for writing, she strives to inspire others with her insights on faith, family, and freedom.
