WHO official announcements

U.S. Orders 4.8 Million Bird Flu Vaccine Doses from CSL Amid H5N1 Outbreak

May 31, 2024, 06:00 PM

In response to the ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak, the U.S. government has ordered 4.8 million vaccine doses from CSL to be filled and finished as part of the National Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Stockpile (NPIVS) program. The outbreak, which has affected more than 60 dairy herds across dozens of states since late March, has prompted significant concern among public health officials. The CDC is closely monitoring the situation, and both Moderna and Pfizer are competing for a bid from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop mRNA vaccines. Moderna's shares have risen following reports that the U.S. government is preparing millions in funding for its mRNA bird flu vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the U.S. investment in mRNA vaccine development, noting the potential threat of the virus spreading to humans. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are also working on a new bird flu vaccine as the virus continues to spread in mammals. The outbreak has led to the culling of birds, raising concerns among scientists about vaccine production, which traditionally relies on eggs.