On June 18, 2025, the administration of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cancellation of a $460 million contract originally awarded during the Biden era for the development of a new COVID-19 vaccine. The decision was made to reassess ongoing health initiatives, with the goal of aligning future funding with new priorities under Kennedy’s leadership. The contract, which had been in progress, involved multiple pharmaceutical companies working on updated vaccine formulations. The halt has prompted a review process to determine the next steps for public health funding, with an emphasis on transparency and strategic allocation of resources. Kennedy’s administration is also forming a new advisory panel to evaluate the recommended vaccine schedule for children and teenagers, including vaccines for measles and hepatitis B, with plans to include diverse perspectives in the decision-making process. Additionally, Kennedy is scheduled to speak at a fundraising event for Gavi, a public-private partnership supporting vaccine access for the world’s poorest children, highlighting a continued focus on global health initiatives. The administration has initiated discussions to potentially lower drug prices, with claims of aiming for reductions greater than those achieved by any previous administration, though specific figures and timelines remain under negotiation.
34news.online
34news.online
