Moderna Loses $700M US Contract for Avian Flu Shot Amid Concerns Over Bird Flu Spread

The US government abruptly terminated Moderna's $766 million avian flu vaccine program, canceling a $590 million contract from the Biden era. This decision came as experts considered the program a promising tool against the spread of bird flu.

Moderna confirmed the contract cancellation, citing the need to seek alternative pathways for vaccine development. Public health experts question the government's preparedness for evolving viruses, especially as the H5N1 subtype has spread across cattle herds in nine states.

The move to cancel the program has faced scrutiny and controversy, particularly regarding the urgency of public health strategies.