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H1N1 Influenza Pandemic

The influenza A (H1N1) virus is a new virus subtype of influenza affecting humans, which results of a combination of two swine influenza viruses that contained genes of avian and human origin.

On 11 June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) decided to raise the current level of pandemic alert to Phase 6. This decision was motivated by the outbreaks of A/H1N1 influenza virus at community-level and the rising cases observed in several countries.

EVM members are working hard to help address H1N1 pandemic influenza. Since the outbreak of this novel influenza virus, the EVM members have been in close contact with European institutions and national health authorities to discuss the emerging human cases of novel (swine) H1N1 influenza as well as various issues regarding H1N1 influenza vaccine development and production.

Producers have received seed viruses for vaccine manufacture from the WHO, and have initiated the first steps required for large-scale production. Manufacturers stand ready to move into full-scale production as soon as requested by national authorities and the WHO. Some manufacturers who are not producing seasonal influenza vaccines have initiated full-scale production already.

The EVM Members remain in close collaboration with authorities to address issues such as the regulatory approval of H1N1 vaccines, which are critical to ensure that pandemic vaccines are available as soon as possible.

>> More about influenza pandemic and industry’s contribution to preparedness

>> About Seasonal Influenza

H1N1 Vaccine Development

>>10 August 2010 - WHO Director General declared during the virtual press conference on H1N1 that "... We are now moving into the post-pandemic period..."

>> EVM Statement regarding Swine Influenza outbreak – 28 April 2009

Events

EVM participated in the workshop "Pandemic Flu : Public Health approaches" organised by the Civil Society Contact Group, European Parliament, Brussels, 8 October 2009

Useful links

>> DG Sanco

>> Infovac