HHS invests nearly $600 million in Moderna's bird flu vaccine development

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is committing $590 million to Moderna for the development of a bird flu vaccine. This initiative supports ongoing research on H5 and H7 avian influenza strains, which Moderna began in 2023. In July, the company received $176 million from HHS for its vaccine efforts. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of combating unpredictable avian flu variants. Current U.S. vaccines use older technology. The administration is also investing over $300 million for monitoring and potential spread preparedness. Although most recent H5N1 cases are among animals, the public's risk remains low.