Bird Flu Vaccine: Trump Administration Ends Funding – NPR
The U.S. government has made a critical decision: it is terminating a $766 million contract with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine, targeting strains like the concerning H5N1. The move comes amid growing concerns regarding the safety of mRNA technology, which was slated to be the core of the vaccine. This progress possibly impacts the preparedness for a future pandemic, as the vaccine was designed to safeguard against flu viruses that could spark global health crises, including the recent spread among dairy cows. This significant policy shift, reported by News Directory 3, highlights the government’s commitment to prioritizing public health and scrutinizing emerging medical technologies. What strategies might be employed next to combat potential bird flu outbreaks? Discover what’s next …
Government Cancels Moderna Bird Flu Vaccine Contract Over Safety
Updated May 29, 2025
The federal government announced Wednesday that it is cancelling a contract to develop a vaccine to protect people against flu viruses that could cause pandemics, including the bird flu virus that’s been spreading among dairy cows in the U.S., citing concerns about the safety of the mRNA technology being used.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it is terminating a $766 million contract with the vaccine company Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine to protect people against flu strains with pandemic potential, including the H5N1 bird flu virus that’s been raising fears.
What’s next
The government has not announced immediate plans for alternative vaccine development strategies to combat potential bird flu pandemics.