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Plano Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. Vaccine Makers Curtail Research and Cut Jobs
Vaccine skepticism and policy changes under the Trump administration take a toll on the industry.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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Major U.S. vaccine makers like Moderna, Sanofi, and smaller companies are scaling back vaccine research, development, and manufacturing due to the changing political and business climate under the Trump administration. Vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as health secretary has led to policy shifts that have discouraged innovation, investment, and sales in the vaccine industry.
Why it matters
The pullback in vaccine research and production could have significant public health consequences, potentially leading to fewer new vaccines being developed and reduced access to existing vaccines. This comes at a time when vaccination rates have already been declining in the U.S. due to the spread of vaccine misinformation.
The details
Moderna is cutting back on vaccine studies, a small Texas company canceled plans to build a vaccine manufacturing plant, and a San Diego company laid off workers. The Trump administration's dismantling of federal support for vaccines, Kennedy's skepticism of mRNA vaccine technology, and policy changes like reducing recommended childhood vaccinations have created an increasingly challenging environment for vaccine makers. While large pharmaceutical companies have been somewhat insulated, smaller vaccine developers and manufacturers are bearing the brunt of the impact.
- In November 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was picked to become the next health secretary.
- Last week, the FDA refused to review Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, citing flaws in the research design.
- Last month, federal health officials overhauled the childhood vaccination schedule, reducing the number of recommended immunizations.
The players
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
A longtime vaccine skeptic who was picked to become the next health secretary in November 2024.
Dr. Stephen Hoge
The president of Moderna.
Albert Bourla
The CEO of Pfizer.
Andrew Nixon
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Jeff Coller
A scientist who works on mRNA at Johns Hopkins University and is on the executive committee of the Alliance for mRNA Medicines.
What they’re saying
“There will be less invention, investment and innovation in vaccines generally, across all the companies.”
— Dr. Stephen Hoge, President of Moderna (The New York Times)
“It's a different world when you start discussing vaccines. There is almost like a religion there.”
— Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer (The New York Times)
“Vaccine policy at HHS is guided by evidence-based science, public health outcomes and transparency, not by the business models or public statements of pharmaceutical executives.”
— Andrew Nixon, Spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (The New York Times)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The pullback in vaccine research and production by U.S. companies highlights the significant impact that changes in federal vaccine policy and growing vaccine skepticism can have on public health. This raises concerns about the future availability and development of new vaccines.
