RFK Jr continues his senseless attack on mRNA vaccines
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is ending contracts for mRNA vaccine development, citing concerns that the technology may pose “more risks than benefits.” According to Kennedy Jr., HHS’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) reviewed 22 mRNA vaccine projects — most focused on flu and COVID — and began canceling them.
He argued that mRNA vaccines only code for a small portion of viral proteins, usually a single antigen. This makes them vulnerable to mutations, which can render the vaccine less effective. Kennedy Jr. pointed to the Omicron variant as an example, noting that millions contracted it despite vaccination. He further warned that this dynamic could drive antigenic shift, encouraging new mutations and potentially prolonging pandemics.
Look, the point of the COVID vaccine is to keep you out of the ED and the morgue. Nobody said it *prevents* infection. Yes, viruses evolve. Some, like flu virus and SARS-CoV-2, evolve rapidly. But having a vaccinated population *slows* the rate of evolution by shrinking the viral pool.
The correct response is (a) to vaccinate everyone and (b) to fund additional mRNA vaccines to better protect from new variants. Defunding mRNA vaccine research doesn’t help anyone.
He argued that mRNA vaccines only code for a small portion of viral proteins, usually a single antigen. This makes them vulnerable to mutations, which can render the vaccine less effective. Kennedy Jr. pointed to the Omicron variant as an example, noting that millions contracted it despite vaccination. He further warned that this dynamic could drive antigenic shift, encouraging new mutations and potentially prolonging pandemics.
Look, the point of the COVID vaccine is to keep you out of the ED and the morgue. Nobody said it *prevents* infection. Yes, viruses evolve. Some, like flu virus and SARS-CoV-2, evolve rapidly. But having a vaccinated population *slows* the rate of evolution by shrinking the viral pool.
The correct response is (a) to vaccinate everyone and (b) to fund additional mRNA vaccines to better protect from new variants. Defunding mRNA vaccine research doesn’t help anyone.
“Defunding mRNA vaccine research doesn’t help anyone.”
It does help eugenecists and those who sell alternative treatments for illnesses
Fraud:
Such maybe true. I am not sure what the argument may be supporting alternative actions as opposed to vaccines when mRNA is a proven vaccine which can be altered. We were vaccinated at University of Michigan in their sports section which had a massive room. Most of the City of Ann Arbor showed up for vaccinations there. A look up:
“RFK Jr. has long peddled vaccine misinformation, and now, wielding federal power, He is turning conspiracy theory into policy. Public health, science, and national security are paying the price.”
Hopefully there is not another epidemic soon. Those were fearful times. Going to the store was done early in the morning when the store just opened. Race through it with your list and get out of the store as quickly as possible.
“We are witnessing the politicization of science in real time, and the consequences could be deadly. We cannot afford to abandon cutting-edge medical tools because of ideological dogma or misinformation. This isn’t just about vaccines, it’s about how seriously we take our future.
As a public health professional, I implore Congress, scientists, and the public: speak out, push back, and fight for science.”
Why Defunding mRNA Vaccine Research Is a Catastrophic Mistake
The flu vaccine changes every year. Sometimes they guess wrong and it is far less effective against the flu than in the years they guess right about what will be circulating in 6 months or so. That isn’t a reason to stop developing flu vaccines, or wasn’t until RFK Jr.
mRNA is being looked at for more than just vaccines. Other countries will still develop. Developers will move where they can work. And the USA will fall farther behind in the health statistics of the world.
@Jane,
mRNA vaccines for flu are easier and faster to develop/modify than conventional flu vaccines.
Trump and RFK Jr aren’t interested in public health. They’re interested in sowing doubt in authority.
Jane:
Joel is the right guy to answer you. I would doubt there is anyone else who would know better.