(The Hill) — On Sunday, Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams expressed disagreement with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding its decision to scale back mRNA vaccine development through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

During an interview on “Face the Nation,” CBS’s Margaret Brennan raised the topic of health policy, pointing out that Secretary Kennedy had announced the U.S. is stopping $500 million in vaccine research focused on mRNA technology. Brennan highlighted its use during Operation Warp Speed, which facilitated the rapid development of the COVID vaccine.

Brennan further questioned Adams, quoting Secretary Kennedy who claimed that mRNA vaccines “don’t work against upper respiratory infections,” and she inquired about the implications of halting such research for future pandemic preparations.

Adams refuted Kennedy’s statement, emphasizing that mRNA technology has notably saved over two million lives, based on conservative estimates. He credited it with enabling the development of COVID-19 vaccines swiftly, and labeled it as one of President Trump’s significant accomplishments. 

HHS announced last Tuesday that it was winding down the BARDA mRNA vaccine development activities.

“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a previous statement.

The reduction of the mRNA vaccine development activities features the ending of contracts with a total worth of nearly $500 million.

Meanwhile, Kennedy stated that BARDA is ending 22 mRNA vaccine development projects because data indicate these vaccines are not effective against upper respiratory infections like COVID and the flu. The funds will, therefore, be redirected towards safer and more comprehensive vaccine platforms that maintain efficacy despite viral mutations.

The Hill has reached out to HHS for comment.