Will the new cancer vaccine survive RFK Jr’s America? | BBC News

A new personalised vaccine given in combination with a drug has stopped skin cancer returning in patients during a trial, representing a potentially watershed moment in cancer treatment. Scientists used mRNA technology, which was used for some Covid-19 vaccines. But that technology - and vaccines more generally - have become increasingly controversial in the United States since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, is a vaccine sceptic. In August 2025 cancelled $500m (£376m) in funding for mRNA vaccine research. The move impacted 22 projects being led by major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, for vaccines against bird flu and other viruses, according to Kennedy’s department. We speak to Tom Whipple, host of the BBC’s Inside Science programme, about the science of this new vaccine. And we ask how funding cuts for vaccine research could impact health outcomes not just for Americans, but for the world. 0:00 How does the new mRNA skin cancer vaccine work? 2:56 How effective is the new cancer vaccine? 5:06 How do mRNA vaccines work? 6:51 How was mRNA technology developed? 10:26 How did Covid change mRNA vaccines? 12:01 Why is RFK Jr cutting mRNA funding? 15:19 Are mRNA vaccines safe? 18:48 Why is the FDA approving an mRNA flu vaccine? 21:00 What does the future of mRNA research look like? Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

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9 to 5 musical cast member pays tribute to Dolly Parton after her death aged 80. #BBCNews

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