H5N1 Bird Flu Remains a Preparedness Concern, While mRNA Vaccine Trials Move Forward

H5 bird flu continues to circulate widely in wild birds and poultry and has also affected other animals, including U.S. dairy cows. CDC currently assesses the public health risk as low, but continues monitoring exposed workers and influenza surveillance systems because animal influenza viruses can evolve. CDC also states there is no known person-to-person spread at this time.

Vaccine preparedness is advancing. CEPI has supported a pivotal Phase 3 trial of Moderna’s mRNA-1018 H5N1 vaccine candidate, designed to test immune response, safety, and tolerability.

Yes2Vaccines message: H5N1 is not currently a human pandemic, but vaccine preparedness before widespread human transmission is exactly how public health should work.