Influenza vaccines are not enough

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the world would soon run out of influenza vaccine in the event of a global pandemic, despite efforts to improve production. "While the world is better off than ever in the fight against the flu pandemic, it is not yet adequately prepared," said Martin Freddy, head of vaccine vaccine research, at the conference. launch of the new global influenza strategy.

There is an urgent need for better tools to prevent, detect, control and treat seasonal and pandemic flu, the WHO said. Vaccines and antivirals have been the most effective, especially in low- and middle-income countries, a priority.
Since 2006, global vaccine production has quadrupled from 1.5 billion to 6 billion, said Freddy. "This is not enough to cover the needs of the world, and everyone will probably need two doses of the vaccine." He warned that vaccine production takes time and that researchers have to wait for the virus to be identified after it has spread before making the vaccine, which takes about six months.

The organization also noted that its new strategy is the most comprehensive and aims to provide every country in the world with a flu-fighting program in order to prepare and ensure food safety at home. national and global.