Reinstate Pandemic Flu Vaccine Funding to Prevent Outbreaks

The Trump administration's decision to cancel the $766 million contract with Moderna for developing a pandemic influenza vaccine is deeply concerning and threatens public health. This vital research aimed to create a new mRNA vaccine against potential pandemic flu viruses like the deadly H5N1 bird flu. Terminating funding jeopardizes our preparedness for future outbreaks and could cost lives. Despite positive interim trial results showing a robust immune response and good safety profile, the funding was abruptly cut off. This scientific work is critical given the recent spread of bird flu to cattle herds and over 70 human infections in the U.S., including one fatality. Continued mutations raise the risk of a more virulent or transmissible strain triggering a pandemic. Abandoning this vaccine development undermines efforts to rapidly produce lifesaving countermeasures when the next pandemic strikes. Robust funding for medical research is essential to protecting public health and national security against emerging infectious disease threats. An urgent reconsideration of this reckless decision is warranted to safeguard preparedness capabilities.