In June 2024 the European Commission announced that the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has signed a joint procurement framework contract for the supply of up to 665,000 pre-pandemic vaccine doses of the up-to-date Zoonotic Influenza Vaccine Seqirus, with the option for a further 40 million doses over the duration of the contract. The vaccine is intended for people who are “most exposed to potential transfers” of avian influenza, such as poultry farm workers or veterinarians.
The vaccine
Granted marketing authorisation in the EU in 2023, the vaccine is used in adults to protect against flu caused by H5 strains of the influenza A virus. It contains a flu strain called A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 (H5N8)-like strain (CBER-RG8A) (clade 2.3.4.4b). As it based on inactivated virus it does not cause disease. It is the only preventative zoonotic avian influenza vaccine currently authorised in the EU. The vaccines are being manufactured at CSL Seqirus’ European manufacturing sites in Amsterdam and Liverpool.
Contract to last up to 4 years
The EC states that 15 EU and EEA Member States are participating in the voluntary procurement with Seqirus UK. The contract allows each country to consider the public health context and order vaccines depending on national need. The contract will run for a maximum of 4 years. Shipments are currently being prepared to Finland for immediate vaccinations of the workers at risk of exposure, at the Member State’s request, with other shipments to follow.
Threat remains low
Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, commented that “while the threat of avian influenza to the general population remains low, we need to protect people at higher risk”.
“Today we announce an agreement on behalf of participating countries to secure access to over 40 million doses of avian influenza vaccine. We are ready to take further action should the situation evolve in the future. Our European Health Union serves to protect people’s lives and livelihoods, and being prepared for health threats is at the core of our work.”
Head of Global Medical Strategy at CSL Seqirus, Raja Rajaram, believes the agreement will “help in Europe’s resolve to maintain robust preparedness and rapid response capabilities for this potential threat”. Lorna Meldrum, CSL Seqirus’ VP Commerical Operations, International & Pandemic Response, stated that CSL Seqirus is a “global leader and proud champion of the pandemic preparedness efforts of over 30 governments”.
“We are pleased to work with the European Commission to deliver this zoonotic vaccine as part of their pandemic preparedness and outbreak response. Vaccine access, alongside surveillance and testing, is critical for pandemic preparedness and provides reassurance to governments and their populations alike. Together with our partners, we embrace this crucial aspect of public health protection.”
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