The federal government has two bird flu vaccine candidates, using traditional vaccine technology, already in the nation’s stockpile. Officials had previously announced plans to have 10 million doses ready for use by early 2025, with the vaccines being stockpiled as a precautionary measure.
“Avian flu variants have a history of unpredictability and danger to humans,” stated Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra in a recent statement. “That is why addressing this threat has been a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and HHS. By expediting the development of new vaccines, we aim to proactively safeguard Americans and equip them with the necessary tools for protection.”
Since April 2024, cases of bird flu in humans have been emerging across the country, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming 67 cases as of the most recent data. Tragically, the first reported death of a human infected with bird flu occurred in Louisiana this month. The individual, aged over 65 and with underlying health conditions, succumbed to the illness, as confirmed by health authorities.
The majority of human cases have been linked to exposure to infected cattle, poultry farms, or involvement in culling operations. Despite the concerning rise in cases, health officials from the CDC emphasize that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, thereby minimizing the risk to the general public.
ABC News’ Mary Kekatos contributed to this report.
In further developments, HHS has announced that Moderna has been awarded $590 million to support the acceleration of mRNA-based bird flu vaccine development, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing preparedness for potential outbreaks.
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