Adams, who served as surgeon general during the first Trump administration, said Kennedy's assertions about the efficacy of mRNA vaccines are "simply not true."

In statements to the USA TODAY Network, both the University of Rochester Medical Center, or URMC, and Regeneron noted they don't receive federal funding connected to the mRNA research cuts announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s on Aug. 5.

While anti-vaxxers are thrilled, experts warn that defunding mRNA development takes away our already-proven best weapon against future pandemics.