Scientists are testing mRNA vaccines to protect cows and people against bird flu

The bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows is prompting development of new, next-generation mRNA vaccines — akin to the shots deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shots are being tested in cattle as well as in people. The U.S. Department of Agriculture next month is to begin administering to cows doses of a vaccine developed by University of Pennsylvania researchers. Meanwhile, health officials have been talking to vaccine manufacturers about mRNA flu shots if bird flu started spreading in people.