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Canada is increasing its supply of bird flu (avian influenza) vaccines, following similar actions in the U.S. and U.K. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) secured 500,000 doses of GSK’s Arepanrix H5N1 vaccine, which is based on proven flu shot technology. Canada’s health regulator has approved a change in the vaccine strain, ensuring it targets the latest version of the virus. Although the risk of bird flu to the general public remains low, PHAC emphasizes that workers exposed to poultry should take precautions due to the potential for severe illness.
Of the 500,000 doses, 60% will be distributed to provinces and territories based on risk and need, while 40% will be kept in a national stockpile. Provinces will decide how to use the vaccines, following guidance from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). The NACI recommends selective vaccination, focusing on high-risk groups like lab workers and those in regular contact with infected animals, rather than widespread immunization.
The recommendations take into account factors like the number of human cases and whether the virus spreads to other animals, such as cattle. Canada’s first human bird flu case was reported in November, but there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Globally, countries are boosting their vaccine supplies. The U.S., for example, has invested heavily in CSL Seqirus’ MF59 adjuvant, enough for 40 million doses. Additionally, the U.S. allocated $72 million to CSL Seqirus, GSK, and Sanofi to produce more vaccines for quick deployment if needed.
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