WHO or national health agency announcements

UK Orders Five Million Bird Flu Vaccines Amid H5N1 Mutation Risk

Dec 31, 2024, 02:07 PM

The UK government has ordered five million doses of avian influenza (H5N1) vaccines to prepare for the potential spread of the virus among humans. This move comes amid growing concerns that the virus, which has already shown mutations in recent cases, could evolve to become transmissible between humans. A recent study highlighted that the virus is one mutation away from being able to attach to human cell receptors, although additional changes would be required for sustained human-to-human transmission. In the United States, outbreaks in dairy cattle and poultry have led to sporadic human infections, with most cases being mild. However, severe cases, such as a 13-year-old Canadian girl infected with the D1.1 genotype and a Louisiana patient with H5N1 Clade B.2.3.4.4B, have raised alarms due to genetic mutations observed in the virus during these infections. California has declared an emergency over infected cattle herds. Experts emphasize the need for vigilant surveillance, enhanced biosecurity measures, and pandemic preparedness to mitigate risks. The UK Health Security Agency has partnered with vaccine manufacturer CSL Seqirus, which is also prepared to produce over 100 million doses if necessary.