This was one in a continuing line of moves that have put Kennedy's vaccine skepticism into public policy, though scientists say the vaccines are safe.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to cancel $500m (£376m) in funding for mRNA vaccines being developed to counter viruses that cause diseases such as the flu and Covid-19.

The mRNA vaccines revolutionized pandemic response and are now being explored for cancer and genetic disease treatments, despite recent federal funding cuts and political controversy over their effectiveness and safety.