Loss Of MRNA, Bird Flu Vaccines Threatens Our Biosecurity

ByJudy Stone, Senior Contributor.

Dr. Judy Stone focuses her writing on infectious diseases.

May 29, 2025, 11:29am EDT

The Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday that it’s canceling a $760 million contract with Moderna for a bird flu vaccine, saying that further development “was not scientifically or ethically justifiable.” The cancellation comes after Moderna received positive interim data from a trial testing the safety and immunogenicity of its H5N1 bird flu vaccine candidate. The fact that the Biden administration had approved the contract with Moderna did not help.

This administration’s distrust of mRNA vaccines has been apparent. In February, Rep. Adam Schiff stated that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., “promoted the lie that mRNA vaccines alter human DNA.” Kennedy has previously called mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations dangerous. Further, at least seven states have proposed GOP-sponsored legislation banning or limiting mRNA vaccines and fueling mistrust in vaccines.

Bird Flu Vaccines
Our ability to protect the public from bird flu with vaccines is minimal. We don’t have an adequate supply of vaccine, nor are we likely to have enough eggs to make traditional vaccines. That’s why many experts have urged a shift to mRNA-based platforms. But Kennedy, who thinks they are dangerous, has now eliminated the leading candidate vaccine.

Finland has offered the bird flu vaccine to dairy and mink farmers because of their high risk of infection. Some experts suggest it be offered to farm workers here, as well.
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