December 11, 2024

UK prepares for avian influenza with stockpile of 5 million vaccine doses

The UK government has announced that it has secured five million vaccine doses as part of its contingency plan for a potential avian influenza outbreak during the winter months.

The vaccines are intended to be deployed if the H5N1 strain of the virus begins spreading among humans. This measure is a key aspect of the UK's broader preparedness for a possible influenza pandemic.

The influenza A(H5N1) virus has been at the centre of a prolonged global outbreak, primarily affecting poultry and wild birds. While this season has seen three confirmed cases of avian influenza in kept poultry, involving both H5N5 and H5N1 strains, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

The vaccine, which will be manufactured by CSL Seqirus UK Ltd, is based on a current H5 avian influenza virus. Dr Meera Chand of the UKHSA highlighted the importance of preparedness against various influenza viruses that may pose risks to human health.

"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," Dr Chand said. She added that the vaccine would only be used if the virus were to begin spreading among humans, which has not been observed at this stage.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) also emphasised the importance of its ongoing work in monitoring and responding to avian influenza. In a statement, the APHA noted, "This work is of vital importance in preparing and responding to emerging pathogen threats to the UK, helping us to contribute to a better understanding of the disease and offering reassurance to the public."

-      South West Farmer