Another human bird flu case generates conversation about potential bird flu vaccines

On July 3, a Colorado dairy farm worker became the fourth person to contract H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. this year. The person only reported eye symptoms and has fully recovered after treatment. The CDC reported that the risk to humans remains low and that farm workers who have contact with animals should continue taking precautions. This news comes alongside the announcement that Moderna is developing an H5N1 bird flu mRNA vaccine with government funding that can be distributed if further human outbreaks occur. Some social media users continue to falsely claim that bird flu is a “hoax” intended to make money for pharmaceutical companies, with many stating they will not receive an mRNA bird flu vaccine.

Recommendation: Trending conversations about bird flu and bird flu vaccines may prompt patient questions about the disease, who is at risk, and what steps they can take now to stay safe. Messaging may emphasize that the recent H5N1 bird flu outbreak is not a hoax. Researchers have been monitoring the evolution of the disease for years and have been developing vaccines—which, like all vaccines, will be rigorously tested and monitored before becoming available—in case more human infections occur. Informing patients to avoid contact with wild or domestic animals that may be sick and to avoid raw milk products—including raw cheeses like cotija and queso fresco—is recommended. Farm workers may also not know they should wear a mask and gloves when having contact with animals and with surfaces that may be contaminated with animal saliva, mucus, or feces.