Increase funding and support for vaccine research and deployment, particularly for RNA and universal flu vaccines.
Pandemics
Viewed record
Moderate Risk
History
338 daily observations
Method
Curated sources and AI scoring
Pandemics Risk
3.7 / 5
Moderate Risk
-0.1 from previous reading
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is moderate due to ongoing flu and COVID-19 activity, emerging avian flu cases, and challenges in vaccine deployment and public health responses.
Record date
March 12, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for March 12, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current pandemic risk is influenced by several factors: the continued circulation of COVID-19 and flu viruses, with high pediatric flu mortality and significant COVID-related health impacts such as increased risk for kidney failure among survivors. Avian flu outbreaks in multiple locations, including human cases, highlight the potential for zoonotic spillover. Vaccine deployment faces challenges, with RNA vaccine funding cuts threatening progress and low antiviral use among high-risk populations. Additionally, misinformation and public health policy changes contribute to vaccine hesitancy and reduced uptake, complicating efforts to control outbreaks.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and rapid response measures for emerging zoonotic diseases like avian flu.
Promote and facilitate access to antivirals and vaccines for high-risk populations, including the elderly and children.
Combat misinformation by providing clear, evidence-based information on vaccine safety and efficacy.
Support community outreach and education programs to improve vaccine uptake and public health compliance.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- CDC: Antiviral use low among older COVID outpatients, despite higher risk for severe disease
- Omicron-adapted COVID vaccines may reduce death, hospitalization risk
- Up to 56,000 people died from COVID-19 or RSV last year
- Cambodia confirms its first human case of H5N1 avian flu this year
- 3 new human avian flu cases reported in China
- RNA vaccine funding cuts threaten decades of scientific progress