Robert F. Kennedy Jr., newly appointed as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued a 90-day stop-work order on a multimillion-dollar contract to develop a new oral COVID-19 vaccine by biotech company Vaxart Inc. The decision comes just under two weeks after his confirmation and affects a $460 million agreement under the Biden administration’s Project NextGen, a $4.7 billion initiative aimed at advancing vaccine development.
The pause comes at a critical moment, as 10,000 individuals were set to begin clinical trials this week. Kennedy emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and safety oversight, stating that the project is under review—not terminated. The decision blocks Vaxart from billing the government for remaining clinical trials, though medical monitoring of prior participants will continue.
This move aligns with Trump’s newly signed executive orders, which repeal Biden-era COVID-19 vaccine mandates and reinstate military personnel fired for refusing the vaccine. Additionally, Kennedy will lead the Make America Healthy Again Commission, focusing on the root causes of chronic diseases such as autism.
Critics argue Kennedy’s stance leans anti-vaccine, though he insists he supports vaccines when they are safe and effective. His confirmation has sparked intense debate, given his past advocacy regarding vaccine safety.
What do you think? Is pausing this vaccine the right move?
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