This episode originally aired on Aug. 20, 2025.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cancelled close to $500 million in research funding for mRNA vaccines, the technology used to develop COVID-19 shots.
Kennedy said the technology is ineffective, unsafe and unethical. But health officials and researchers are concerned.
What is an mRNA vaccine, how is it different from other types of shots, and what does the future of vaccine research look like?
Guests:
- David Lim, reporter, POLITICO
- Dr. Ted Ross, global director of vaccine development, Cleveland Clinic
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