US Funds Moderna for Bird Flu Vaccine Amid Transition

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Moderna $590 million to accelerate the development of mRNA vaccines against influenza, specifically targeting the H5N1 bird flu strain. This funding aims to enhance Moderna's ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases and follows a previous grant of $176 million. The decision comes amid concerns that avian influenza could mutate, potentially leading to a pandemic. There have been 67 human cases of bird flu in the U.S., with the first death recently reported in Louisiana. The Biden administration has prioritized this response, with additional investment in monitoring and preparedness. The funding is significant as the U.S. transitions to a new administration under Donald Trump, who has nominated a vaccine skeptic for a key health position.