The shot's approval appears to contradict the federal government's generally unfavorable view of mRNA vaccines. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminated half a billion dollars in funding for mRNA vaccine development, impacting 22 projects. A key vaccine advisory committee was remade to include people who have been vocally opposed to mRNA vaccines . Does the approval of a new mRNA vaccine signal a shift in this sentiment? The company filed for the shot's approval in February, but initially, the FDA denied Moderna's request to have its materials reviewed.