Optimal Strategies to Estimate the Relative Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is forecasting a contract to develop and validate a protocol for evaluating the relative effectiveness of second-generation influenza vaccines, with the ultimate goal of preparing methodologies for mRNA and third-generation flu vaccines contingent on successful outcomes. This initiative focuses on establishing scientifically robust methods to compare vaccine performance in real-world settings, requiring collaboration with partner health systems for data collection and recruitment. The effort aims to refine how vaccine effectiveness is measured to inform public health decisions and future vaccine development. The project is tied to fiscal year 2023 contract development efforts and will build upon prior work to ensure continuity and scalability. While the solicitation number and detailed financial terms are not yet available, the NAICS code 541714 indicates it falls under research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The program point of contact is Tiffany Tatham-Miller, with the contracting officer position yet to be filled. The work will be conducted remotely with no specified place of performance, allowing flexibility for national partnerships. The forecast was posted in May 2026, signaling an upcoming procurement anticipated later in the fiscal cycle.