Federal officials plan to double the stockpile of emergency bird flu vaccines as they identify more people infected with the disease. Three manufacturers were awarded $72 million to increase pandemic preparedness including against avian influenza, officials announced in a Friday morning briefing.

There are currently no recommendations for anyone to be vaccinated against bird flu and federal health officials note this is being done out of "an abundance of caution."

As more farm workers get sick with avian influenza, the US federal government is putting $72 million toward strengthening its vaccine stockpile.

The Southern Hemisphere's flu season is winding down, and new data shows this year's flu shot was 34.5% effective in keeping folks there who got influenza from needing hospital care.

Infections caused by the latest variant have symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, congestion and headache.

In addition to vaccinations, Shah emphasizes the importance of avoiding gatherings when you do not feel well and shares an anecdote about his family's plan to stay healthy.

Among babies 6 months and younger hospitalized for COVID, 90% of their mothers weren't vaccinated during pregnancy, leaving them vulnerable to severe infection.

Dozens of tigers have died in zoos in south Vietnam after a bird flu outbreak, according to state media. Three lions and a panther were also reported to have died of the virus alongside 47 tigers since August.