HHS cancels development of mRNA vaccines for flu and COVID

Published August 5, 2025 7:00pm ET



The Department of Health and Human Services is canceling the development of 22 mRNA vaccines, citing a lack of efficacy for preventing respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19.

The department issued a press release late Tuesday announcing a “coordinated wind-down” of mRNA vaccine development under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA. 

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