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CSL Seqirus today announced it was selected by the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to complete the fill-and-finish process of the pre-pandemic vaccine for the U.S. government as part of the National Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Stockpile program.

Under the terms of the agreement revealed on May 30, 2024, CSL Seqirus will deliver approximately 4.8 million doses of a pre-pandemic vaccine well-matched to the H5 of the currently circulating H5N1 strain.

This acquisition of a pre-pandemic vaccine will increase BARDA's vaccine stockpile to support the U.S. government's pre-pandemic response. It is the fourth award CSL Seqirus has received from BARDA in response to sustained highly pathogenic avian influenza activity.
 
"The U.S. CDC maintains the risk to public health as low. We are closely monitoring the situation because we are acutely aware of the threat that influenza virus strains like H5N1 can pose and take seriously our role in preparedness efforts alongside our government and public health partners," said Marc Lacey, CSL Seqirus, Global Executive Director for Pandemic, in a press release.

"This agreement, building upon prior agreements with BARDA, will help support the U.S. government's ability to respond swiftly if the current avian flu situation changes."

On April 1, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr. Peter Marks informed the media that the U.S. stockpile of avian flu-specific vaccines would work well if deployed.

As of May 2024, FDA-approved avian influenza vaccines are not commercially available in the U.S. The FDA says annual flu shots are unlikely to protect people during avian influenza (bird flu, cow flu) outbreaks. 

In Europe, the European Commission (EC) signed a framework contract on July 28, 2022, for the joint procurement of GSK's Adjupanrix, a pandemic influenza vaccine. That contact enables EC Member States to purchase up to 85 million vaccine doses during an influenza pandemic.

BARDA is part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

CSL Seqirus is a business of Australia-based CSL.

Due to the rise in dengue fever cases in the southern hemisphere this year and the start of the high transmission season in the northern hemisphere, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging the Caribbean and Central American countries to enhance preventive measures against this mosquito-borne viral disease.

An Epidemiological Alert announced on May 28, 2024, reported that the Americas region has reported more than 8.1 million suspected dengue cases, a 3.3-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.

More than 3,600 dengue-related deaths have been reported throughout the region.

Mexico has reported over 65,000 dengue cases, Guatemala over 12,000, Honduras over 20,000, and Panama over 5,800.

Meanwhile, countries and territories in the Caribbean have reported over 21,000 cases, representing a 5.7-fold increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

Previously, the U.S. CDC stated that most dengue cases reported in the 49 continental states occur in travelers infected elsewhere. As of May 2024, travel-related and locally acquired dengue outbreaks were reported in southeast Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico in 2024.

In today's Alert, the PAHO emphasizes the importance of timely clinical diagnosis, early identification of warning signs, and proper patient management to avoid severe cases and deaths.

In most cases, dengue has no symptoms and can present as flu-like. However, when symptoms do occur, they usually include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash.

Although most people recover within one to two weeks, some can develop severe forms that require hospitalization. These can be fatal when not treated promptly and adequately.

Either of the two WHO-listed vaccines can also prevent dengue. Unfortunately, their availability will be limited in 2024.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced an outbreak of chikungunya in Malé and Hulhumalé regions of Maldives.

Crisis24 recently reported 389 total cases from March to May 11, 2024.

On May 28, 2024, the CDC Level 2 Travel Health Advisory recommended that adults traveling to a destination with a current chikungunya outbreak be vaccinated.

The U.S. FDA recently approved Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® monovalent, single-dose, live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine.

Furthermore, the CDC says if you are pregnant, reconsider travel to Maldives, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby. Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery.

According to the CDC, newborns infected in this way or by a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.

Additionally, people can protect themselves from chikungunya infection by preventing mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, staying in places with air conditioning, or using window and door screens.