Global pandemic influenza action plan to increase vaccine supply

Overview

The objective of the Global Vaccine Action Plan is to increase the supply of a pandemic vaccine and thereby reduce the gap between the potential vaccine demand and supply anticipated during an influenza pandemic.

In response to these challenges and in order to develop a Global Vaccine Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza Vaccines, WHO organized a consultation in Geneva on 2–3 May 2006 and invited key stakeholders – from national immunization programmes, national regulatory authorities, vaccine manufacturers and the research community – to participate. The objective of the consultation was to identify and prioritize practical solutions for reducing the anticipated gaps in vaccine supply. The participants drew up an Action Plan with strategies for the short, mid and long term, aiming to increase influenza vaccine production and surge capacity before and during an influenza pandemic. They identified three main approaches: a) an increase in seasonal vaccine use; b) an increase in production capacity; and c) further research and development. The implementation of this plan will require the concerted efforts of countries, industry and the global health community.