CDC Allocates $10 Million to Curb Bird Flu in Farm Workers with Seasonal Flu Vaccine Push

Jul 30, 2024, 06:23 PM

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a $10 million initiative to protect farm workers from bird flu. The funding will be split equally, with $5 million allocated for training farm workers on protective measures and another $5 million for providing seasonal flu vaccines. The CDC Deputy Director emphasized that the seasonal flu vaccine could reduce the risk of dual infection with both seasonal and bird flu. The program aims to lower the pandemic risk posed by the ongoing H5N1 bird flu by preventing the virus from reassorting with human flu viruses, potentially creating a new flu strain. The initiative includes support for targeted programs and vaccine supplies to states, focusing on livestock industry workers in proximity to poultry, cows, and other livestock.