With the recent announcement by the US Department of Health and Human Services of cutting funding to the development of certain vaccines there could be local impacts felt.

Sources say, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pulling $500 million that was awarded to 22 grants for research and development of mRNA vaccines, such as the flu and covid immunizations. According to Kennedy on the HHS website, these vaccines have failed to effectively protect against these upper respiratory illnesses and are shifting the funding to a broader platform that is effective, even with the different mutations. 

Greene County Public Health Director Shelby Cooklin gives her initial thought after she learned about that change.

“Overall, a change in funding for any type of vaccine production can potentially influence how quickly vaccines are developed and how prepared we are for future public health needs.” 

Cooklin says another issue that could happen is the ongoing research that may impact their ability to respond to any emergent health concerns. She admits that the vaccine rates for the flu and covid in the county has seen some changes recently toward not as many people getting them.

“I think this is influenced by multiple factors including public perception, access and overall interest in seasonal or newer vaccines. So at (Greene County) Public Health, we’ve tried to make vaccines a lot more accessible for everyone. So we hope to continue to spread good information, not misinformation, and make sure that people are getting the vaccines that they need, so that they can stay healthy and out of the hospital.” 

According to Greene County Public Health, this season’s flu vaccine is available now, while the new covid vaccine will be available later this fall. Contact them to schedule an appointment for a vaccine at 515-386-3228.