Menu
29/01/2004
Bird flu vaccine could take 'several months': WHO
The production of a vaccine against 'bird flu' - a new outbreak which so far has caused a number of deaths - could take several months, a senior United Nations health official said today.
It has been reported today that the bird flu outbreak can be traced as far back as The disease has so far killed 10 people but cannot yet be passed from human to human.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that "in a very good scenario" a prototype virus could be developed within two months, and clinical testing could take another two months. If successful, the manufacturing and distribution of a vaccine could be made after this.
Dr Klaus Stöhr, who is leading the WHO response to the outbreak of avian influenza, said: "We would currently estimate if everything goes well that when the horn has blown, that the pandemic might be there and that it will take still four to six months before a significant amount of vaccine can be produced."
Once large-scale vaccine production is ready to go, companies would begin the manufacturing process – and a shortlist of 11 has been drawn up.
Asked about a possible global epidemic, Dr Stöhr said: "If a pandemic virus would emerge, then we would presume these are estimates based on historical data that this virus might travel around the world in a relatively short period of time. The figures which are being estimated [are] six months, four months, eight months."
"Vaccine production might begin in six months, but we will not have, after seven months, vaccine available for the whole globe," he added.
"Irrespective of how long it's going to take, the vaccine will make a significant difference to all those who have access to them, and WHO would be ill-advised if we would not support every effort which we can take now to reduce the morbidity and mortality from the possible pandemic."
(gmcg)
It has been reported today that the bird flu outbreak can be traced as far back as The disease has so far killed 10 people but cannot yet be passed from human to human.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that "in a very good scenario" a prototype virus could be developed within two months, and clinical testing could take another two months. If successful, the manufacturing and distribution of a vaccine could be made after this.
Dr Klaus Stöhr, who is leading the WHO response to the outbreak of avian influenza, said: "We would currently estimate if everything goes well that when the horn has blown, that the pandemic might be there and that it will take still four to six months before a significant amount of vaccine can be produced."
Once large-scale vaccine production is ready to go, companies would begin the manufacturing process – and a shortlist of 11 has been drawn up.
Asked about a possible global epidemic, Dr Stöhr said: "If a pandemic virus would emerge, then we would presume these are estimates based on historical data that this virus might travel around the world in a relatively short period of time. The figures which are being estimated [are] six months, four months, eight months."
"Vaccine production might begin in six months, but we will not have, after seven months, vaccine available for the whole globe," he added.
"Irrespective of how long it's going to take, the vaccine will make a significant difference to all those who have access to them, and WHO would be ill-advised if we would not support every effort which we can take now to reduce the morbidity and mortality from the possible pandemic."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 May 2009
Government Takes Steps To Begin Flu Vaccination
Agreements have been signed between the UK government and vaccine manufactures to secure supplies of up to 90 million doses of pre-pandemic H1N1 vaccine, the Department of Health has announced today.
Government Takes Steps To Begin Flu Vaccination
Agreements have been signed between the UK government and vaccine manufactures to secure supplies of up to 90 million doses of pre-pandemic H1N1 vaccine, the Department of Health has announced today.
09 December 2004
UK trade deficit gap widens by 0.9bn
The UK’s deficit on trade in goods and services is estimated to have widened by around 0.9 billion in October up from a deficit of £2.9 billion in September to £3.8 billion in October.
UK trade deficit gap widens by 0.9bn
The UK’s deficit on trade in goods and services is estimated to have widened by around 0.9 billion in October up from a deficit of £2.9 billion in September to £3.8 billion in October.
17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
17 October 2005
British flu experts to travel to Asia
A team of British scientists are to visit Southeast Asia in order to investigate how to handle a potential outbreak of bird flu. Experts from the Medical Research Council will leave the UK on Sunday on a fact-finding mission to Vietnam, China and Hong Kong, the region where 60 people have died from the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.
British flu experts to travel to Asia
A team of British scientists are to visit Southeast Asia in order to investigate how to handle a potential outbreak of bird flu. Experts from the Medical Research Council will leave the UK on Sunday on a fact-finding mission to Vietnam, China and Hong Kong, the region where 60 people have died from the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.
01 September 2015
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
