President Donald Trump's administration has rescinded Moderna's $766 million bird flu vaccine grant over concerns about safety and efficacy, the UK Daily Mail reported. This comes as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. no longer recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women and children.
In July 2024, Moderna received the first $176 million for the vaccine, with the remainder due in January, before Biden's departure from office. However, the HHS has withdrawn the funding as Kennedy explores longstanding concerns about the novel vaccine technology.
The grant was awarded under the administration of then-President Joe Biden. The government promised to fund its development and eventual purchase of the jab for the H5N1 bird flu, which has so far sickened 70 people and killed one.
Some experts see this virus as a new pandemic threat "unfolding in slow motion." Despite its name, the virus has been found in cattle and pigs and could become an increasing threat to humans.
Just this week, Moderna touted its findings in an initial study of the bird flu vaccine, involving around 300 people aged 18 and above in good health, The Washington Post reported. The company has pledged to continue developing the vaccine even with the shortfall.
"These clinical data in pandemic influenza underscore the critical role mRNA technology has played as a countermeasure to emerging health threats," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a statement. HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon disagreed after a "rigorous review" of the vaccine.
This more cautious approach tracks with RFK Jr.'s renewed scrutiny of the technology and is a positive development for his supporters. "This is great news. RFK Jr. Cancelled $766 million award for Moderna mRNA vaccines. This is what I voted for," a user posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.
This is great news. RFK Jr. Cancelled $766 million award for Moderna mRNA vaccines.
This is what I voted for. pic.twitter.com/jwFKUr1cFV
— Sally (@TalkWithSally) May 29, 2025
According to Fox News, Kennedy announced Tuesday that the HHS would no longer recommend the coronavirus jabs for pregnant women and children. "Last year, the Biden administration urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot, despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children," Kennedy said in a video.
"That ends today — it's common sense and it's good science," said NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, who appeared in the video along with FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and Kennedy. Makary added that other countries have stopped recommending it for healthy children, as there's no evidence that it's even necessary.
"We're now one step closer to realizing President Trump's promise to make America healthy again," Kennedy said. This admission serves as vindication to Americans who voted for Trump because of this issue and Kennedy's promise.
It makes sense that the bird flu jab would face similar scrutiny, given Kennedy's role at HHS, especially considering the narrative being pushed for it. Just as the claims about COVID-19 were arguably overblown, the same may be true for this newest panic.
Kennedy's vaccine hesitancy was once a highly controversial position. Now with the Make America Healthy Again movement, Kennedy is addressing growing concerns over the new mRNA technology.
