Alex Hogan is STAT’s senior multimedia producer and host of STATus Report, STAT’s weekly video series. You can follow him on Bluesky.

Anil Oza is STAT’s 2024-2025 Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellow. You can reach Anil on Signal at aniloza.16.

Last week, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cancellation of $500 million in contracts to help develop RNA vaccines. Kennedy explained his reasoning for the cuts in a video posted to X.

The video is only 2½ minutes long, but in that time the health secretary made a number of claims that have been disputed by vaccinologists and other medical experts. 

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