The Trump administration abruptly terminated a $1-billion-plus contract with the pharmaceutical company Moderna. This contract was meant for the late-stage development of a pandemic vaccine for bird flu in humans. The contract—which is worth over $700 million—contains options for the federal government to purchase vaccine doses. Upon delivery, this purchase will be made. Moderna’s announcement was a significant turning point in the story of pandemic preparedness—here’s what this cancellation means.
This decision indicates an encouraging departure from the use of public health as a weapon, especially as bird flu remains a worry worldwide. The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security’s senior scholar, Amesh Adalja, highlighted the contrasting approach taken by the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic through Operation Warp Speed. This initiative was a major driver behind rapid vaccine creation and distribution, demonstrating a government willing to get ahead of developing health threats.
In the last year, bird flu has only infected about 70 people. Nearly all of these cases have occurred in farm workers who had direct, prolonged contact with infected animals. The virus is currently circulating vigorously between cattle herds and poultry flocks. This worrisome trend puts us at risk of outbreaks that threaten public health and our nation’s food supply.
The decision to halt funding for Moderna’s vaccine development raises questions about the government’s preparedness for future avian influenza outbreaks. Public health experts agree that an emergency vaccine, if deployed, could significantly mitigate the risks associated with the virus’s rapid spread. This is particularly important in light of the recent surge in human infections.
“The cancellation means that the government is discarding what could be one of the most effective and rapid tools to combat an avian influenza outbreak,” – Amesh Adalja
Our own Patrick Wingrove had the exclusive report on this cancellation. Sandra Maler and Thomson Reuters Printers in Washington, D.C., a company that serves republics by means of the perfection of its Trust Principles of freedom and independence in their reporting.
The report detailing this cancellation was provided by Patrick Wingrove and edited by Sandra Maler for Thomson Reuters, a company committed to its Trust Principles of integrity and independence in reporting.
