HHS needs to maintain America’s leadership in vaccine research

Reports that the Department of Health and Human Services is canceling about $500 million across multiple contracts for mRNA vaccine development are deeply concerning and reflect an alarming pattern of the Administration’s efforts to curtail vaccine research and sow unfounded doubt in vaccine safety and effectiveness. IDSA fully agrees with HHS that the U.S. should invest in additional vaccine technologies, but those efforts should not replace ongoing, promising research. 

Significant data demonstrate that mRNA vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. mRNA technology also shows potential against other respiratory pathogens like influenza and is worthy of further study. 

Halting promising research that is already underway wastes taxpayer dollars and prohibits the scientific progress that Americans depend upon to keep us healthy during routine respiratory virus season and future outbreaks and pandemics. IDSA implores HHS to maintain America’s leadership in vaccine research. 

— Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP — President, IDSA 

About IDSA 

The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity’s smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.