The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will cancel 22 projects worth a total of $500 million aimed at developing mRNA-based vaccines for respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, and H5N1.

The decision was announced Tuesday by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic who has made a series of sweeping changes to the department’s vaccine policies since taking office.

A Major Shift in Vaccine Strategy

Kennedy’s announcement marks a sharp departure from previous federal strategies that embraced mRNA vaccines, which were credited with saving millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a video shared on his social media accounts, Kennedy criticized the safety and adaptability of mRNA technology and said the government would now focus on developing vaccines through more “traditional” methods.

Also Read: Legionnaire’s Disease NYC Outbreak: 3 Dead, 67 Sick; Health Authorities Have Identified ZIP Codes Linked With Cluster

“To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we’re prioritizing the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don’t collapse when viruses mutate,” Kennedy said.

The canceled projects were being developed by major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, and were intended to target multiple respiratory threats. Kennedy has also disbanded the advisory panel that made national vaccine recommendations and has backed away from strong endorsements of routine vaccinations, even as the U.S. faces rising measles outbreaks.

Backlash from the Scientific Community

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from public health experts, many of whom view mRNA technology as a critical tool in combating pandemics.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business,” said Mike Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, as reported by AP. “This is incredibly short-sighted, especially with threats like bird flu still looming.”

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, echoed the concerns and emphasized the broader potential of mRNA, reports AP.

“It’s certainly saved millions of lives,” Offit said. “And beyond infectious diseases, we’re now exploring its use for cancer immunotherapy.”

Earlier this year, billionaire tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison praised mRNA during a White House event for its emerging role in cancer treatment. Despite its growing applications, the recent move by HHS could slow down innovation, critics argue.

Understanding mRNA Vaccine Technology

Unlike traditional vaccines that rely on growing and purifying virus particles, mRNA vaccines work by delivering a piece of genetic code into the body. This code instructs cells to produce a harmless protein from the virus, which then triggers the immune system to respond, offering protection.

Supporters say the speed and adaptability of this method make it ideal for fast-moving outbreaks. Moderna, for instance, had been developing a combined mRNA flu and COVID-19 shot, claiming the platform could significantly reduce vaccine production time.

HHS Defends Decision

In a written statement, HHS said that while these 22 projects are being halted, “other uses of mRNA technology within the department are not impacted.” Currently, mRNA vaccines remain approved for COVID-19 and RSV, but none have yet been approved for the seasonal flu.

The department added that this decision reflects a shift in “vaccine development priorities,” and that it plans to invest in “better solutions,” though no specifics were provided.

“Let me be absolutely clear, HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them,” Kennedy said in closing.

When it comes to your gut health, you don’t think about it much unless something goes wrong but since COVID-19, a lot more of us are concerned and worried about our gut. Doctors and researchers are now linking the virus to a surge in gut issues—and it goes far beyond a one-off stomach bug. If your digestive system feels off these days—maybe tired, unpredictable, or mysteriously unsettled—you’re not imagining it.

Here’s what researchers have uncovered: COVID-19, especially in its lingering long-COVID form, is rewriting how our gut and brain talk to each other. And that rewrite is showing up as real-world distress—in symptoms like IBS and functional dyspepsia that left pre-pandemic experts baffled.

A recent international study—reported in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology—used the Rome Foundation’s diagnostic criteria to compare two snapshots: one from 2017 and another from 2023. The result was a hard wake-up call:

• Gut‑brain disorders rose from 38.3% to 42.6%
• IBS jumped 28% (from 4.7% to 6%)
• Functional dyspepsia surged 44% (from 8.3% to 11.9%)

And people with long COVID reported more severe gut symptoms alongside heightened anxiety and depression. This isn’t just more awareness; it’s a measurable shift.

Why These Gut-Brain Disorders Are More Than Just Stomach Upsets?

These aren’t bland digestive symptoms. IBS and functional dyspepsia fall under disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI): an umbrella term that says our gut reacts not just to food—but to stress, mood, infection, and inflammation. That gut-brain axis is a two-way street connecting digestion, emotion, and immunity. When COVID-19 enters the picture, it seems to throw that entire system off balance.

Why Did A Respiratory Illness Affect the Gut?

When we talk about COVID-19, we normally picture a cough or sore throat—but GI symptoms have always been part of the story. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain—they’re not rare. Some patients experienced these as first or only symptoms. And for a significant number, those symptoms don’t resolve. One study found people who had COVID were 36% more likely than uninfected peers to develop GI disorders—ranging from ulcers and pancreatitis to IBS and acid reflux.

For those who were hospitalized, or who had more severe cases, the long-term risks jumped even further. A large Veterans Affairs cohort reported substantially higher GI risks—not just in the first year, but for at least three years post-infection.

How Long COVID and Gut Distress Linger On?

We often talk about long COVID in terms of fatigue or brain fog. But in many cases, chronic gut issues are front and center—months or even years after the infection. Nausea, stomach pain, altered digestion (like unexpected diarrhea or constipation): these symptoms persist, even when the initial respiratory illness has passed. This persistence may come down to a few intertwined issues:

Viral Persistence – COVID can linger quietly in gut cells

Chronic Inflammation – triggering heightened gut sensitivity

Microbiome Disruption – an imbalance of gut bacteria that affects digestion and mood

How Anxiety, Depression Are Also Affecting Your Gut?

Here’s a pattern worth noting, people with DGBIs often report anxiety and depression—and vice versa. The emotional distress isn’t a side effect—it may be part of the same conversation happening along the gut-brain axis. Research shows that anxiety can actually increase the risk of functional dyspepsia eightfold. After COVID, this link seems even stronger.

This isn’t about turning normal people into patients. It’s about recognizing that when COVID hits the gut, it can leave a footprint long afterward. It’s about listening to your body and knowing when something is more than just “stress.”

If you still have gut symptoms after recovering from COVID, you owe it to yourself to explore them—especially if anxiety or depression have joined the mix. A thoughtful medical workup is key, but so is understanding that many GI specialists now see these symptoms as part of chronic long COVID.

How To Heal the Gut Post-COVID?

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for post-COVID gut issues, but experts in GI health and gut-brain disorders are recommending a few key approaches. First, focus on diet and microbiome care: eating more high-fiber foods, incorporating prebiotics, staying well-hydrated, and cutting back on alcohol and red meat can help restore microbial balance. Next, address the mind-body connection—stress, anxiety, and gut dysfunction often fuel each other, so practices like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or meditation can play a critical role in breaking that cycle. And finally, don’t hesitate to seek clinical support. If your symptoms persist, it’s important to speak with a GI specialist who understands the complexities of long COVID, and, if needed, get connected to programs or researchers focused on gut-brain rehabilitation.

COVID changed how we think about viruses—and what they leave behind. It rewrote the narrative for our lungs, yes, but it also turned the gut into a frontline survivor. If your digestion hasn’t felt the same since then, you're not alone and you're not imagining it.

A newborn baby girl from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, is battling a rare and dangerous tick-borne illness. After preliminary tests showed she contracted Powassan virus, baby Lily Sisco was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The infant's mother, Tiffany Sisco, said Lily had a tick on her after a brief walk on a local bike path. "She is still fighting daily at MGH," Sisco shared on Facebook. "Although the CDC, Neurological Doctors and Nurses have no answers for long term, we remain hopeful."

Reports state that local health officials are now investigating this case, which would be only the second confirmed case of Powassan virus on Martha's Vineyard in two decades.

What Is Powassan Virus?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services explains that powassan virus is a rare but serious illness spread to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick (also known as a black-legged tick). While uncommon, cases are most frequently found in the northeastern U.S. and the Great Lakes region. In Wisconsin, the first case was identified in 2003, and most have since occurred in the northern part of the state. Anyone can contract the virus, but those who spend more time outdoors are at higher risk.

Who Is At High Risk For Powassan Virus Infection?

Ticks become infected with the virus by biting an infected small mammal, like a rodent. It's not known exactly how long a tick must be attached to a person to transmit the virus, but it could be as little as 15 minutes.

The majority of human infections are caused by immature ticks called nymphs, which are about the size of a poppy seed and difficult to spot. Nymphs are most active during the spring and early summer. Adult ticks can also spread the virus but are larger and more likely to be found and removed before transmission occurs.

Because ticks can attach to any part of the body, it's crucial to check hard-to-see areas after being outdoors, such as behind the knees, in the armpits, on the scalp, and around the ears and groin.

Symptoms and Treatment Options For Powassan

Symptoms can appear anywhere from one week to one month after a tick bite. Many people who get the virus don't have any symptoms at all. Early signs often include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and a stiff neck. In severe cases, the virus can lead to:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Memory loss
• Loss of coordination
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)

Is Powassan Virus Deadly?

Powassan virus can be very serious, with about 10% of severe cases resulting in death. Of those who survive a severe illness, about half will have permanent or long-term neurological problems. If you experience any of these symptoms after being outdoors, you should see a doctor right away, even if you don't remember being bitten by a tick.

Ways That Can Protect And Prevent Tick-Borne Disease

This has been a bad year for ticks. To stay safe, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health gives this advice:

• Use bug spray.
• Wear long, light-colored clothes.
• Stay on paths when you are outside.
• Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after you've been in a grassy or wooded area.

Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, public school students in Illinois will be required to have a mental health screening every year. This applies to all students from grades 3 through 12. The new law, signed by Governor JB Pritzker, makes Illinois the first state to require these screenings for all students. This move is a direct response to growing concerns about the mental well-being of children and teenagers.

What Steps Is The Government Taking For Student Well-Being?

Governor Pritzker explained that the new law is a step toward a more complete system for supporting young people's mental health. He noted that with more children struggling with anxiety and depression, it's important to make sure they get the help they need. The law will give schools the necessary support and resources to implement the screenings.

It also suggests that schools point parents and guardians toward the BEACON Portal, a special online tool that helps families find mental health resources and services in their area. This portal was launched in January and is meant to make it easier for people to get information about care.

What is Mental Health Screening?

School mental health screening is a process that uses a special tool or survey to check on the emotional and social well-being of all students. Unlike a typical check-up for a specific problem, these screenings are for everyone in a school or a certain grade level. The goal is to identify students' strengths and needs early on so they can get help before a small issue becomes a big problem. Screenings can also ask students about their life satisfaction, their sense of belonging at school, and any challenges they might be facing at home, such as food or housing insecurity.

Also Read: Illinois Becomes 1st State To Mandate Mental Health Screening For Students – Investing In The Future Of US

Why Are Mental Health Screenings Necessary In Schools?

The decision by Illinois comes at a time when there's been a lot of national discussion about student mental health. Just two months before the bill was signed, the Trump administration cut funding for about $1 billion in mental health grants for schools. The Department of Education said the money was being used for "race-based actions" rather than for mental health services.

This has created a new challenge for schools across the country. Meanwhile, national health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have highlighted the seriousness of the issue, reporting that anxiety and depression are very common in children aged 3 to 17, and are a particular problem for teenagers.

How Screening Helps Schools and Students

Mental health screening can benefit students and schools in many ways:

Identifies High-Need Students

Screenings help find students who need immediate support, such as those at risk of self-harm. This allows schools to quickly connect students with the right help and ensures that anyone in danger receives an immediate safety assessment.

Helps a Whole Classroom

Screening data can show if many students in one grade or class have similar needs. This lets a school provide support to the entire group at once, which saves time and makes sure more students get the help they need.

Informs School-Wide Programs

About 20% of students have signs of a mental health disorder each year, but screening can help all students. If screenings show high stress levels, a school can teach coping skills to the entire student body to prevent problems from getting worse.

Improves Access to Care

Many families face barriers to getting mental healthcare. With over 70% of mental health services for youth provided in schools, screenings can help all students access care, which leads to better grades and higher graduation rates.

Looks at the Whole Picture

Screenings don't just look for problems; they also ask about positive feelings like happiness. This gives schools a complete view of a student's well-being and helps reduce the stigma of talking about mental health.