News | Infectious Diseases | Vaccines
UK Stockpiles H5 Influenza Vaccine in Effort to Strengthen Pandemic Preparedness
Time to read: 01:33
Time to listen: 05:58
Published on MedED: 3 December 2024
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0066
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Global Health, Vaccines, Infectious Diseases
Keywords: avian flu, vaccines, pandemic preparedness
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Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNG0066
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Global Health, Vaccines, Infectious Diseases
Keywords: avian flu, vaccines, pandemic preparedness
Top
3 December 2024, 18:30
The UK government has secured over five million doses of a human H5 influenza vaccine as part of its ongoing pandemic preparedness efforts.
CSL Seqirus UK Limited manufactures the vaccine, which is based on the current H5 avian influenza virus, which has caused a prolonged global outbreak among birds. While there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, experts warn of the virus's potential to mutate.
CSL Seqirus UK Limited manufactures the vaccine, which is based on the current H5 avian influenza virus, which has caused a prolonged global outbreak among birds. While there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, experts warn of the virus's potential to mutate.
Dr Meera Chand, Emerging Infection Lead at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), highlighted the importance of proactive measures. “Early access to vaccines saves lives,” she said, adding that adding H5 vaccines to the UK's interventions enhances readiness against diverse threats.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne echoed this, stating that the stockpile bolsters the nation’s resilience to current and emerging health risks.
Scientists emphasised the necessity of vigilance. Prof. Ian Brown of The Pirbright Institute warned that the unprecedented global spread of H5 among birds and mammals increases the risk of human infections. Although spillover cases have so far been mild and confined to those exposed to infected animals, mutations could enable efficient human transmission.
While the vaccine stockpile is unlikely to cover the entire population initially, it could be prioritised for key groups such as healthcare and farm workers.
Prof. Andrew Pollard called H5 a significant pandemic threat and noted that this measure aligns with global efforts to combat potentially devastating outbreaks. Robust surveillance and international collaboration remain critical to mitigating the risks posed by H5 and other influenza viruses.
This story was compiled from various resources including:
3 December 2024 | UK Government | UK secures H5 influenza vaccine to boost pandemic preparedness
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