The UK Government will purchase more than five million doses of human H5 influenza vaccine to boost the country’s resilience in the event of a possible H5 influenza pandemic.
The vaccine, based on a current H5 avian influenza virus, will be manufactured by UK-based healthcare company CSL Seqirus UK Limited. The purchase a part of long-established plans to boost the UK’s access to vaccines for a wider range of pathogens of pandemic potential.
“It is important for us to be prepared against a range of different influenza viruses that may pose human health risks,” said Dr. Meera Chand, Emerging Infection Lead at the UK Health Security Agency. “Early access to vaccines saves lives. Adding H5 vaccines to the interventions already available to us will help us to be ready for a wider range of threats.”
The influenza A(H5N1) virus has been causing a prolonged global outbreak, primarily in birds, over the past few years. The human H5 influenza vaccine would only be used if the virus were to start spreading among humans, of which there is no evidence at this stage. The procurement is intended to strengthen the UK’s preparedness for a H5 influenza originated pandemic by ensuring that vaccines are immediately available, while a pandemic specific vaccine is made ready. The UK Government already has an advance purchase agreement for pandemic vaccines if or when they are needed, that would be tailored to combat the specific pandemic flu strain identified at the time.
“Together with UKHSA, we are committed to ensuring that the UK is prepared and ready to respond to any current and future health threats,” said Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne. “Adding the H5 vaccine to our stockpile is one part of our preparedness plans, improving our readiness to respond to a range of emerging health threats and protecting people’s lives and livelihoods.”
The UKHSA actively monitors for human cases of avian influenza, while APHA targets surveillance at captive and wild birds and animals, through their surveillance programs. This coupled with their genomic sequencing abilities are crucial to early detection, assessment, and response to emerging health and biosecurity threats such as avian influenza.
