Another cause of the sudden publicity about "bird Flu" may found in this article from the Washington Post:

Health Groups Now Worry About Flu Shot Surplus

Here is an excerpt:

The CDC announced that it would offer more than 3 million vaccine doses, which are still in the federal emergency reserve, back to the manufacturer for marketing and resale to public and private providers. As enticement to providers, any additional orders will be covered by a guaranteed return policy so that no physician will be stuck for a dollar loss with leftover vaccine.

The government also is expanding its Vaccines for Children Program to allow inventories within it to be used for adult patients, irrespective of financial need.

"These are extraordinary measures being taken," CDC Director Julie L. Gerberding said.

The situation in the area mirrors the national dilemma. At least a couple of thousand doses of flu vaccine are on hand in public health departments, and numerous agencies are soliciting residents to get vaccinated. Private clinics that were canceled hastily last fall are being rescheduled. The District and Maryland have completely dropped the guidelines that prioritized who should get a shot based on medical conditions or age; Virginia is maintaining them, but loosely.

Everyone's goal is to move remaining supplies fast, before the influenza season peaks late next month and before unused doses must be thrown out.