European Vaccine Manufacturers update their pandemic preparedness plan
6 November 2008
The European Vaccine Manufacturers group (EVM) has launched its updated ‘Proposal for Action Plan’ to ensure availability of effective vaccines in the event of an influenza pandemic. The EVM calls on Member States and the EU Commission to define effective vaccination strategies for protection of their populations in case of a pandemic and to set up processes to secure development, purchasing and deployment of pre and pandemic vaccines.
The EVM members are committed to address the challenges posed by the threat of influenza pandemic worlwide," said Didier Hoch, President of EVM. "In recent years industry has made great strides in improving preparations against this potential health emergency by successfuly developing H5N1 and prototype pandemic vaccines and by expanding production facilities to meet demand. However, the EU and national Governments effort should continue to ensure sufficient volume and timely access of pandemic vaccines to the European citizens in the event of a pandemic."
The plan also places particular emphasis on the need to increase usage of seasonal influenza vaccines, in accordance with the 2010 WHO target of 75% vaccination in the 65 and over age group, as agreed by member states in the WHA resolution, as well as on extending the vaccination recommendations. This will, not only have an immediate health benefit, but will help to increase global capacity to produce pandemic vaccines.
EVM launched its first pandemic influenza Proposal for Action Plan in 2004, as concern grew in the scientific community about the rapid spread of the H5N1 influenza virus and its potential to evolve into a human pandemic strain. As a consequence, EVM outlined key areas where Europe could anticipate and coordinate its pandemic preparedness. Subsequently, EVM has reviewed the progress made across the region and issued updated proposals in 2006 and now two years later in 2008.
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