The U.S. government has decided to cancel its deal with Moderna. This deal aimed to make a bird flu vaccine using mRNA technology. It was worth $590 million and began in January, just before Donald Trump’s second term started. Recently, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department took the lead in ending the plan, citing concerns about safety and scientific standards.
Moderna had already started work on the vaccine. It was designed to fight the H5 bird flu virus, which spreads mostly from birds to humans. Although rare, this virus can be deadly. Moderna used mRNA, the same technology behind their COVID vaccines. These vaccines train the body to fight the virus.
In early tests, about 300 healthy adults received the new vaccine. Moderna reported strong immune responses and said the shot was safe. Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO, expressed regret about losing the contract. However, he added that the company plans to continue work. Moreover, he believes mRNA will play a key role in fighting global health threats.
On the other hand, HHS disagreed with Moderna’s view. Officials stated that the project did not meet important scientific standards. They also raised ethical concerns. Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for HHS, explained that their team conducted a thorough review. He said the plan did not deserve public funding. Furthermore, Nixon added that previous leaders had hidden important facts. Therefore, the new team demands more transparency going forward.
Some experts strongly oppose this decision. For example, Dr. Ashish Jha, a leading health expert, shared his opinion on social media. He credited the first mRNA vaccines to efforts during the Trump administration. Nearly two billion doses have been given worldwide, he noted. Jha also pointed out that these vaccines are among the safest and most studied ever.
He warned that ending the bird flu project could put public safety at risk. The H5N1 virus remains a serious threat. If it starts spreading from person to person, the consequences could be severe. Currently, the U.S. keeps some older bird flu vaccines in stock. However, Moderna’s newer vaccine might offer better protection.
Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Friedrichs, who once helped lead the White House’s pandemic response, expressed his disappointment. He explained that making good vaccines takes time and early work is crucial. He also urged the nation to stay alert because the virus’s behavior is unpredictable.
So far, the H5N1 bird flu has infected several people in the U.S., with one death reported. Most cases resulted from contact with birds. Importantly, no human-to-human spread has been recorded yet. Still, experts worry this might change.
The government reconsidered Moderna’s contract in February. After a review, officials chose to end it in March. This choice might slow vaccine development. Nevertheless, Moderna remains hopeful but will need new partners or funding to continue.
This decision sends a warning to some in the health community. They argue the U.S. risks falling behind in vaccine research. Past outbreaks like SARS, Ebola, and COVID showed how fast action saves lives. In addition, starting work early helps prevent future crises.
Concerns about mRNA technology continue to exist. Some people believe it is too new or unsafe. Unfortunately, false information spreads online, causing doubt. However, health officials continue to confirm that mRNA vaccines are safe and effective. They played a major role in ending the COVID pandemic.
Vaccine hesitancy affects many people. Experts say that clear facts and open communication help build trust. By educating the public, we can fight fear and misinformation.
The situation keeps changing. No one knows if bird flu will spread widely or if Moderna will find new funding. What is clear, however, is that early preparation saves lives. Therefore, the U.S. needs strong plans, support, and trust to face future health threats.