The UK government has signed a contract for over five million doses of the human H5 influenza vaccine from CSL Seqirus UK Limited. This move is part of long-term plans to prepare for future pandemics involving a wider range of pathogens. The vaccine, based on an avian H5 influenza strain, will be used if the virus adapts to spread among humans.
The agreement enhances the UK’s ability to respond swiftly while a strain-specific vaccine is developed. Ongoing surveillance of both human and animal populations is critical to early detection and containment.
Dr Meera Chand from the UKHSA highlights that early vaccine access is key to saving lives, ensuring the country is ready for emerging health threats. By combining vaccine stockpiling with monitoring, the UK remains at the forefront of global pandemic preparation.
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