To combat bird flu, the European Commission has concluded a contract to purchase 665,000 doses of a vaccine intended for adults at high risk of exposure to the “A H5N1” virus.
- The European Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has signed a contract to procure 665,000 doses of a vaccine to prevent the transmission of avian influenza to humans.
- “Fifteen member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area are participating in this purchase”, including France.
- The vaccine, which is being developed by the Australian laboratory CSL Seqirus, is intended for people most exposed to potential transfers of avian influenza (poultry workers and veterinarians).
Faced with the spread of bird flu among cows and cases of infection in humans in the United States, Europe prefers prevention rather than cure. This is why the European Commission announced on June 11 that the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), set up during the coronavirus pandemic, has signed a “framework contract”, for a maximum period of four years, which allows it to acquire 665,000 doses of a human vaccine developed by the Australian laboratory CSL Seqirus. An option has been placed for an additional 40 million doses. “We are ready to take further measures if the situation should evolve in the future”said Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.
Avian flu: 15 EU and EEA Member States participate in the purchase of a preventive vaccine
“Fifteen Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area are participating in this purchase,” can we read in a statement. In the list, we find France. “The contract allows each participating country to take into account its public health context and order vaccines according to national needs. Shipments to Finland are being prepared for the immediate vaccination of workers at risk of exposure, at the request of the Member State. Shipments to other participating countries will follow.”
Avian flu vaccine is intended for poultry workers and veterinarians
“While the threat of avian influenza to the general population remains low, we must protect those at higher risk,” said Stella Kyriakides. According to the European Commission, the vaccine, which is the only preventive formula currently authorized in the European Union, is thus intended “to those most exposed” to potential transmission of avian influenza from birds or animals. This therefore only concerns poultry workers and veterinarians. According to health authorities, the vaccine protects both citizens and livelihoods.
