The EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), as part of its preparedness mandate, signed on Tuesday 11 June, on behalf of the participating Member States, a joint procurement framework contract for the supply of up to 665,000 doses of updated zoonotic influenza virus pre-pandemic vaccine, with an option for a further 40 million doses over the duration of the contract.
The vaccine is intended for people most at risk from the potential transmission of avian influenza by birds or animals, such as poultry farm workers and veterinary surgeons. Its aim is to prevent the spread or appearance of potential outbreaks of avian influenza in Europe, by protecting citizens and livelihoods. It is the only preventive vaccine against zoonotic avian influenza currently authorised in the EU.
Fifteen Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area are taking part in this voluntary procurement with Seqirus UK Ltd. The contract allows each participating country to take account of its own public health context and to order vaccines according to national needs. The contract will run for a maximum term of 4 years.
Shipments to Finland are currently being prepared for the immediate vaccination of exposed workers, at the request of this Member State. Shipments to other participating countries will follow. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)