New COVID-19 Vaccine Contract Put on Hold
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suspended a multimillion-dollar Biden administration contract for a new COVID-19 vaccine.
Why Kennedy Paused the Vaccine Deal
Kennedy stressed the importance of pandemic preparedness but criticized Biden’s oversight, saying all vaccine agreements, including Vaxart’s, require review.
“I’m committed to ensuring safe, effective, and cost-efficient vaccine development,” Kennedy said, promising collaboration with medical experts and Vaxart.
90-Day Stop-Work Order for Vaxart’s Vaccine
On Friday, Kennedy issued a 90-day stop-work order affecting Vaxart Inc.’s oral COVID-19 vaccine, delaying planned clinical trials.
This pause allows health officials to review trial data before deciding the next steps for vaccine production and distribution.
Biden’s $4.7 Billion Project NextGen in Question
Biden’s Project NextGen, a $4.7 billion initiative, aimed to speed up vaccine development with funding through BARDA under HHS oversight.
BARDA allocated $460 million to Vaxart, with $240 million already used before Kennedy’s temporary halt on additional funding.
Funding Blocked, but Some Payments Continue
A contract amendment would have allowed Vaxart to bill BARDA for $230 million, now frozen due to the stop-work order.
However, Vaxart can still receive HHS funding for monitoring trial participants, ensuring medical oversight continues.
Trump’s New Health Initiative & Kennedy’s Role
This decision comes after Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS Secretary and Trump’s launch of the Make America Healthy Again Commission.
Trump’s executive order directs Kennedy’s commission to investigate rising health issues, starting with chronic childhood diseases like autism.
Kennedy’s Stance on Vaccines & Public Health
Kennedy, a former Democratic presidential candidate, faced criticism over alleged anti-vaccine views but insists he supports safe immunization.
“My children are vaccinated. I’m not anti-vaccine,” Kennedy said, emphasizing transparency and scientific evaluation.
Trump Reverses Biden’s Vaccine Mandates
Under Biden, federal employees were required to get vaccinated, sparking protests as private businesses also enforced vaccine policies.
Trump reversed mandates, reinstating military members discharged over vaccine refusal and blocking federal funding for school vaccine mandates.
Kennedy’s Leadership in Health Policy
This vaccine contract review highlights Kennedy’s approach—balancing public health, financial responsibility, and medical safety.
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