The UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) represents the major vaccine companies that invest in the research, development and manufacture of vaccines for the UK.

UVIG aims to:

• promote the positive benefits of vaccination as an essential element to improve the public health of the nation;
• represent the UK vaccine industry to all interested parties.

LATEST UVIG NEWS

Westminster Flu Day - 26^th October 2011

UVIG will be holding a Westminster Flu Day on 26th October, sponsored by Margot James MP.

UVIG Statement on the Public Health white paper 'Healthy Lives, Healthy People'

01 December 2010

The UK Vaccine Industry Group (UVIG) welcomes the Public Health white paper Healthy Lives, Healthy People.  However ,  it is concerned that the paper fails to provide a clear direction on the future strategy for the prevention of infectious disease,  as a vital element of public health.  Nor does it acknowledge the important role that Directors of Public Health should play in the implementation of national vaccination programmes at a local level.  Immunisation is one of the most important interventions for protecting individuals and the community from infectious diseases.  National immunisation programmes have delivered demonstrable reductions in morbidity and mortality, saving more lives in the UK in the last 50 years than any other health interventions.  The UK currently enjoys a position of leadership in Europe,  with good uptake rates.  UVIG fully supports the national immunisation programmes in the UK, but is concerned that without continued investment there is potential for confidence in vaccination programmes to wane and uptake rates to fall, such that the UK population may not benefit from the vaccine innovations expected over the next 5 – 10 years.  UVIG is keen to work with Public Health England to continue to support the national vaccination programmes in the UK to build on the successes to date.   

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine and H1N1 Information 

 30 November 2010

UVIG is concerned that the latest statistics from the Department of Health (DH) show that uptake of the seasonal flu vaccine this season is tracking at a slightly lower level than last year.  Figures from October show that 48% of people over 65 have received influenza vaccine compared with 54% at the same time last year; 26% of under 65s in an at risk group have been immunised compared with 31% at the same time last year. 

The DH target for flu vaccine uptake in people over 65 is 75%, with an aspirational target of 60% for those under 65 in an at risk group. At the close of last year’s flu campaign, uptake in these two groups was 72.4% and 51.6% respectively.   Experts believe that the low uptake is partly due to confusion and anxiety over the inclusion of the H1N1 flu strain, responsible for the ‘swine flu’ pandemic, in the seasonal vaccine.1 However, it is important that those ‘at risk’ and people in regular contact with at risk groups such as healthcare workers are vaccinated to decrease the impact of the circulating virus.

What you need to know about the flu vaccine and H1N1
• Seasonal flu vaccines always contain three strains – this year it includes two of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and one of influenza B virus.  The strains that manufacturers should use are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) each February.
• The H1N1 flu strain responsible for the pandemic in 2009/10 is still circulating and causing disease in many countries
• The H1N1 flu strain used in the swine flu vaccine is the same as the strain used in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine.  However, unlike the pandemic H1N1 vaccine, the seasonal flu vaccine does not contain an adjuvant. 
• All vaccines are made to stringently-monitored high standards, overseen by independent national regulatory bodies before a licence is granted by the European regulators; around 70% of vaccine production time is spent checking quality and ensuring product safety
• The Chief Medical Officer recommends that the seasonal flu vaccination is given to everyone over 65 and those over six months with: chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, renal disease, liver disease, neurological disease, diabetes, immunosuppression. Pregnant women who have not received the H1N1 vaccine previously are included in the at risk group for the seasonal flu vaccine for the first time this year.
• The seasonal flu vaccination is also recommended for those in residential homes, carers and healthcare workers.

Where should patients go for further information?
People who have concerns should talk to their Practice Nurse, GP or access the DH website
NHS Choices for reliable advice and guidance.

References:
 . Department of Health media centre. 19 November 2010.Flu experts urge patients to have the jab: Department of Health - Media Centre
http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1287145299931

 . Seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among the 65 years and over and under 65 years at risk in England (Winter season 2009-10). http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733756886#r4

 . DH Immunisation against infectious disease – ‘The Green Book’. Chapter 19. Influenza
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_079917 Accessed 10 November 2010

 . HPA National Influenza Report. 14 October 2010. Accessed October 2010 http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1284475114967

Westminster Flu Day 2010

The 2010 Westminster Flu Day was held on October 19th and highlighted the importance of people aged over 65 and those deemed to be 'at risk' of having the seasonal flu jab.  The event was sponsored by Margot James MP and the attendant GP was Dr. George Kassianos, Fellow and Immunisation Lead of the Royal College of GPs.

UVIG MANIFESTO PUBLISHED

UVIG has published its manifesto calling on an incoming government to prioritise prevention, to recognise the benefits of vaccines and vaccination in the wider public health agenda, to take a leadership role in the use of vaccines and (read more).
April 2010