U.S. to Invest Millions in mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine Amid H5N1 Threat

[Social Media]

 

The U.S. government is on the verge of a significant investment in mRNA vaccines to combat the H5N1 bird flu, responding to the increasing threat of the virus spreading among mammals and potentially causing a new pandemic if it jumps to humans. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Moderna to fund human trials for its experimental mRNA bird flu vaccine. This agreement would also include plans to stockpile millions of vaccines, contingent on successful trial outcomes, as reported by the Financial Times.

 

This development has been welcomed by senior officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. The H5N1 outbreak has already resulted in the deaths of millions of animals over the past two years and poses a significant risk if it spreads to humans. WHO's chief scientist, Jeremy Farrar, emphasized the importance of this investment, calling it “an important step forward.” Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the WHO's emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, praised the move as a demonstration of “active pandemic preparedness” by the U.S., especially in light of the virus's recent spread into U.S. cattle.

 

H5N1 has been a persistent threat for over two decades, with a human case fatality rate of 50%. It has caused thousands of human infections and more than 400 deaths, primarily among individuals who work closely with animals. Recently, the virus has surged globally, infecting millions of birds and a variety of mammals, including foxes, mink, penguins, and seals. The recent infection of cattle in the U.S. has heightened concerns among experts that the virus could mutate to efficiently spread among humans, potentially sparking another pandemic. Infections have already been confirmed in at least two U.S. farm workers, both of whom experienced mild disease.

 

BARDA's forthcoming investment, potentially amounting to tens of millions of dollars for Moderna, highlights the urgency of the situation. This announcement coincides with the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where global health ministers are discussing improvements in pandemic preparedness. One of the key advantages of mRNA vaccines, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, is their rapid and relatively straightforward production. Traditional influenza vaccines, which make up over 80% of global supply, are grown in chicken eggs—a process that can take up to six months and is particularly challenging with the H5N1 strain.

 

Existing vaccines from companies like GSK, Sanofi, and CSL Seqirus provide immunity to H5N1 but rely on this time-intensive egg-based method. If H5N1 begins to spread among humans, these vaccines may not be available in time to effectively counter the first wave of a pandemic. Additionally, the supply of chicken eggs could be compromised if flocks are infected and culled, further delaying vaccine production. This was a significant issue during past influenza pandemics, such as the 2009 Swine Flu outbreak, where vaccines were often delayed until after the initial waves had subsided.

 

Prof. Paul Kelly, Australia's chief medical officer, endorsed the U.S. initiative, emphasizing the importance of “learning the lessons of the Covid pandemic,” planning ahead for vaccine production, and diversifying vaccine development approaches. Early investment by BARDA in mRNA vaccines for H5N1 is “appropriate and wise,” he stated.

 

In addition to Moderna, the U.S. government is reportedly in discussions with Pfizer to support the development of its mRNA vaccine targeting H5N1, although no agreement has been finalized. Dr. Rick Bright, an immunologist and influenza expert, urged the government to consider a broader range of options. He suggested that BARDA should also explore partnerships with other companies and technologies, such as GSK and Curevac, which recently launched an H5N1 vaccine clinical trial, and other companies developing innovative delivery methods like oral capsules or skin patches.

 

The global spread of bird flu has affected poultry farms worldwide, including in the UK and the U.S. In the U.S., over 68 herds of dairy cattle across nine states have been infected. This year, two dairy workers—one in Texas and one in Michigan—tested positive for the virus, with the most recent case showing a mutation indicating better adaptation for human transmission. Although the WHO considers the risk to humans low, it urges countries to share information rapidly to enable real-time monitoring and ensure preparedness as the virus continues to spread.

 

The investment in mRNA vaccines represents a proactive measure to bolster pandemic preparedness, aiming to mitigate the potential impact of H5N1 on human populations. By leveraging the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and advancing vaccine technologies, the U.S. and its global partners are taking crucial steps to protect public health against future viral threats.

 

Related Topics:

Bird Flu in Cattle Should You Be Concerned?

First Human Case of Bird Flu Reported in Australia Amid New Farm Outbreak

Challenges in Developing Effective Bird Flu Vaccine Highlighted by Scientists

Unprecedented': How bird flu became an animal pandemic

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-06-01

 

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[Tug]

It’s heartening to see the present administration taking pandemics seriously,trying to stay one step ahead.Its just the kind of thing that does indeed make America great 👍 

[impulse]

I still haven't recovered from my last mRNA shot over 2 years ago.  Based on discussion with my doctors, I expect to live with the debilitating effects until they throw dirt in my face.

 

Edited June 1 by stats
unsourced misinfo claim removed

[placeholder]

They should get back to us if and when the illness starts affecting the lungs. If bird flu ever becomes transmissible by air, that could be serious. Fortunately...oh wait a minute...

 

Bird Flu (H5N1) Explained: Third U.S. Dairy Farm Worker Infected With Bird Flu—With New Symptoms

Another human case of bird flu has been detected in a dairy farm worker in Michigan—though the cases aren’t connected—and this is the first person in the U.S. to report respiratory symptoms connected to bird flu, though their symptoms are “resolving,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/05/30/bird-flu-h5n1-explained-third-us-dairy-farm-worker-infected-with-bird-flu-with-new-symptoms/?sh=5f9509815d18

[Srikcir]

Will Siam Bio Science once again come to rescue Thailand from another pandemic?

[MrJ2U]

8 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Will Siam Bio Science once again come to rescue Thailand from another pandemic?

If there's millions of baht to be made they'll be first in line.

[stats]

A post with an unsourced and unsubstantiated misinfo claim has been removed.

 

[john donson]

so let's ignore the fact that mrna could continue to multiply, leave the site of injection and other stuff... too much money involved... congress already got free shares to promote this

[impulse]

6 hours ago, john donson said:

so let's ignore the fact that mrna could continue to multiply, leave the site of injection and other stuff... too much money involved... congress already got free shares to promote this

 

Another sliding narrative.  First, it was going to stay at the injection site.  Then, it may get into your blood, but not into your organs.  Then, it may get into your organs, but it won't stay long or change your DNA.

 

Not to mention that they changed the definition of a "vaccine".  Because mRNA didn't fit into the traditional definition of a vaccine, being a snippet of genetic code.  Which, apparently, I'm not allowed to refer to as "gene therapy", despite it being exactly that.

 

[Roo Island]

On 6/1/2024 at 4:06 AM, impulse said:

I still haven't recovered from my last mRNA shot over 2 years ago.  Based on discussion with my doctors, I expect to live with the debilitating effects until they throw dirt in my face.

 

And millions have no problems. And are probably alive today because of them.

 

Millions are still suffering from long covid.

[Roo Island]

15 hours ago, john donson said:

so let's ignore the fact that mrna could continue to multiply, leave the site of injection and other stuff... too much money involved... congress already got free shares to promote this

Conspiracy theory

[Roo Island]

9 hours ago, impulse said:

 

Another sliding narrative.  First, it was going to stay at the injection site.  Then, it may get into your blood, but not into your organs.  Then, it may get into your organs, but it won't stay long or change your DNA.

 

Not to mention that they changed the definition of a "vaccine".  Because mRNA didn't fit into the traditional definition of a vaccine, being a snippet of genetic code.  Which, apparently, I'm not allowed to refer to as "gene therapy", despite it being exactly that.

 

Link?

[Tug]

On 5/31/2024 at 7:06 PM, impulse said:

I still haven't recovered from my last mRNA shot over 2 years ago.  Based on discussion with my doctors, I expect to live with the debilitating effects until they throw dirt in my face.

 

Wow what happened?the wife and I got the jab + all the boosters no ill affects whatsoever none just blessed health are you sickly and unhealthy?regardless it’s nice to know responsible folks are keeping an eye on the threat and taking steps to mitigate the risks 

[impulse]

5 minutes ago, Tug said:

Wow what happened?the wife and I got the jab + all the boosters no ill affects whatsoever none just blessed health are you sickly and unhealthy?regardless it’s nice to know responsible folks are keeping an eye on the threat and taking steps to mitigate the risks 

 

You mean like you, your wife, and millions of people survived Covid, so it wasn't a threat at all?

 

[Irish star]

On 6/1/2024 at 3:25 PM, Srikcir said:

Will Siam Bio Science once again come to rescue Thailand from another pandemic?

I thought the Overpriced Sinovac from China was the gift that keeps on giving 

[Irish star]

50 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

You mean like you, your wife, and millions of people survived Covid, so it wasn't a threat at all?

 

With a vaccine it wasn’t a threat , get back on your Qanon Channel 

[Tug]

11 hours ago, impulse said:

 

You mean like you, your wife, and millions of people survived Covid, so it wasn't a threat at all?

 

Cha Ching!!got ya lol you are straight up full of it bucko not so long ago 4 thousand of my country men were dying every miserable grief stricken day slowly drowning in their own Flem alone contagious it was horrible…..I can’t say how I really feel about people who spread disinformation about this…..

[Danderman123]

On 6/1/2024 at 8:45 PM, john donson said:

so let's ignore the fact that mrna could continue to multiply, leave the site of injection and other stuff... too much money involved... congress already got free shares to promote this

You ignore the fact that the virus multiplies.

[Danderman123]

12 hours ago, impulse said:

 

You mean like you, your wife, and millions of people survived Covid, so it wasn't a threat at all?

 

Because of the vaccine, millions who did get infected didn't suffer major symptoms.

 

[Danderman123]

On 6/2/2024 at 2:49 AM, impulse said:

 

Another sliding narrative.  First, it was going to stay at the injection site.  Then, it may get into your blood, but not into your organs.  Then, it may get into your organs, but it won't stay long or change your DNA.

 

Not to mention that they changed the definition of a "vaccine".  Because mRNA didn't fit into the traditional definition of a vaccine, being a snippet of genetic code.  Which, apparently, I'm not allowed to refer to as "gene therapy", despite it being exactly that.

 

You have an active fantasy life.

[Danderman123]

On 6/2/2024 at 2:49 AM, impulse said:

 

Another sliding narrative.  First, it was going to stay at the injection site.  Then, it may get into your blood, but not into your organs.  Then, it may get into your organs, but it won't stay long or change your DNA.

 

Not to mention that they changed the definition of a "vaccine".  Because mRNA didn't fit into the traditional definition of a vaccine, being a snippet of genetic code.  Which, apparently, I'm not allowed to refer to as "gene therapy", despite it being exactly that.

 

Are there any vaccines that you approve?

[Roo Island]

15 hours ago, impulse said:

 

You mean like you, your wife, and millions of people survived Covid, so it wasn't a threat at all?

 

Better than the millions who died because they fell for the propaganda.

[Roo Island]

3 hours ago, Danderman123 said:

You have an active fantasy life.

Trump supporter....

[Chomper Higgot]

18 hours ago, impulse said:

 

You mean like you, your wife, and millions of people survived Covid, so it wasn't a threat at all?

 

 

Unfortunately there is no vaccine will cure you of your misinformation habit.

 

When reality hits it’s going to tough.

[impulse]

5 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

Unfortunately there is no vaccine will cure you of your misinformation habit.

 

When reality hits it’s going to tough.

 

You know what was tough?  Waking up with the left side of my face numb, losing my sense of balance and the non-stop fatigue I've had since the day after my 2nd Pfizer.  Exacerbated by the ER claims (at first) that "we don't know what's going on, but it isn't the jab".  Then years later, they admitted that they've been getting quite a few patients with the same symptoms after their jab.  Plus, all the nurses that confided in me that they see a lot of what I reported, but they're not allowed to talk about it.  That was at UTMB in Galveston.  Look up their participation in the Pfizer approval process...

 

 

[gargamon]

32 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

You know what was tough?  Waking up with the left side of my face numb, losing my sense of balance and the non-stop fatigue I've had since the day after my 2nd Pfizer.  Exacerbated by the ER claims (at first) that "we don't know what's going on, but it isn't the jab".  Then years later, they admitted that they've been getting quite a few patients with the same symptoms after their jab.  Plus, all the nurses that confided in me that they see a lot of what I reported, but they're not allowed to talk about it.  That was at UTMB in Galveston.  Look up their participation in the Pfizer approval process...

 

 

Texas. That explains everything.

[Chomper Higgot]

41 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

You know what was tough?  Waking up with the left side of my face numb, losing my sense of balance and the non-stop fatigue I've had since the day after my 2nd Pfizer.  Exacerbated by the ER claims (at first) that "we don't know what's going on, but it isn't the jab".  Then years later, they admitted that they've been getting quite a few patients with the same symptoms after their jab.  Plus, all the nurses that confided in me that they see a lot of what I reported, but they're not allowed to talk about it.  That was at UTMB in Galveston.  Look up their participation in the Pfizer approval process...

 

 

Sounds terrible.

Almost on a par with a close friend dying of COVID and his two young kids left fatherless, a preventable tragedy.

 

[Roo Island]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

You know what was tough?  Waking up with the left side of my face numb, losing my sense of balance and the non-stop fatigue I've had since the day after my 2nd Pfizer.  Exacerbated by the ER claims (at first) that "we don't know what's going on, but it isn't the jab".  Then years later, they admitted that they've been getting quite a few patients with the same symptoms after their jab.  Plus, all the nurses that confided in me that they see a lot of what I reported, but they're not allowed to talk about it.  That was at UTMB in Galveston.  Look up their participation in the Pfizer approval process...

 

 

Don't believe you. Your a known conspiracy theorist.

[johng]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Sounds terrible.

Almost on a par with a close friend dying of COVID and his two young kids left fatherless, a preventable tragedy.

 

Preventable how ?

[johng]

What horrible treatment on this thread of a person who has come forward courageously to talk about about being vaccine injured.  @impulse  you have my sympathies for what little that is worth.