Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

U.S. Cancels Moderna Vaccine Deal Amid Safety Concerns

5/31/2025

27 6

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government has scrapped a $590 million deal with Moderna for an mRNA bird flu vaccine due to safety worries. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised doubts about mRNA technology, prompting experts to caution that this move could undermine the nation’s readiness for potential pandemics, especially as H5N1 infections surge.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. government has scrapped a $590 million deal with Moderna for an mRNA bird flu vaccine due to safety worries. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised doubts about mRNA technology, prompting experts to caution that this move could undermine the nation’s readiness for potential pandemics, especially as H5N1 infections surge.