This was one in a continuing line of moves that have put Kennedy's vaccine skepticism into public policy, though scientists say the vaccines are safe.

The US health secretary is cutting funding for mRNA vaccines because he claims they are less effective than other types – but that is not what the evidence shows

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to cancel $500m (£376m) in funding for mRNA vaccines being developed to counter viruses that cause diseases such as the flu and Covid-19.

President Donald Trump hailed as a “medical miracle” the mRNA vaccines developed to combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Now, his health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is effectively halting the vaccine technology’s advancement.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has canceled nearly $500 million in grants and contracts meant to support mRNA vaccine development, the agency announced Tuesday.

President Trump’s laissez-faire approach is notable, given that the vaccines were seen as legacy achievement during his first term.

CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a step back to explain several of the changes Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made that directly affect US vaccine policy.

The targeting of the vaccine technology once considered revolutionary follows intense criticism by conservatives and anti-vaccine activists.

US to Pull $500m from mRNA Vaccine Research Citing “More Risk Than Benefit”