HHS Cuts $500 Million in mRNA Vaccine Research Funding

In the past month, mRNA vaccine policy in the United States has undergone a dramatic shift following Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to cancel roughly $500 million in federal funding for mRNA research and development. The cuts will halt around 22 active projects. Supporters of the move cite concerns about the technology’s safety and necessity, but scientists, public health leaders, and global health organizations have warned that the policy will weaken U.S. pandemic preparedness, disrupt ongoing vaccine innovations, and push research talent overseas. The immediate impacts on state and local public health departments are unclear, however, this move follows recent federal cuts to state and local public health departments’ vaccination programs. 

State Legislation Targets mRNA Technology Restrictions

The federal grant funding cut follows a trend of state legislative initiatives aimed at limiting the utilization of mRNA technologies.

Kentucky, Iowa, Idaho Consider mRNA Prohibitions

In the 2025 state legislative session, MultiState tracked legislation in Kentucky, Iowa, Idaho, and Florida, among others, that would have either prohibited the mandated use of a vaccine that utilized mRNA technology or prohibited the administration of any vaccine utilizing mRNA technology.

Florida Enacts mRNA Vaccination Discrimination Protections

Notably, a Florida measure that extended protections against discrimination based on a person’s mRNA vaccination status for two years was enacted in June. It’s likely that these same states and others will consider similar legislation in 2026.

Track Health Care Policy

The ever-evolving state health policy landscape will continue to influence how health care organizations make business decisions. MultiState's team pulls from decades of expertise to help you effectively navigate and engage. MultiState's team understands the issues, knows the key players and organizations, and we harness that expertise to help our clients effectively navigate and engage on their policy priorities. We offer customized strategic solutions to help you develop and execute a proactive multistate agenda focused on your company's goals. Learn more about our Health Care Policy Practice.