U.S. Approves 1st Bird Flu Vaccine

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The new vaccine is indicated for people aged 18 to 64 who are at "increased risk" of exposure to the H5N1 virus. Individuals would get two injections of 90 micrograms each, spaced about one month apart.

According to Baylor, "increased risk" is defined by governmental policy makers and might probably include military personnel and others who might be entering areas where the virus is present.

"Having a vaccine that would require 90 micrograms twice, in and of itself, would not and could not be the answer to where we want to be," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said when the New England Journal article was published. "It is a step forward, but it is a small step," he said.

An accompanying editorial in the journal called the response "poor to moderate at best."

The study was funded by NIAID.

Because the vaccine is now licensed, it does not require informed consent when it is used, Baylor said.

"There are several newer vaccines under development," he said. "This is sort of an interim measure. This will allow us to have a vaccine."

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can tell you more about avian flu.