The European Union is actively enhancing its preparedness for a potential flu pandemic. The European Commission has signed a new joint procurement contract through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, which enables 17 member countries to purchase up to 27,403,200 doses of pandemic influenza vaccine. This agreement, established with the pharmaceutical company Seqirus UK Ltd., secures the availability of Foclivia, a vaccine designed to offer protection against influenza once the World Health Organization or the European Union officially declares a pandemic.
A flu pandemic occurs when a novel strain of the influenza virus spreads easily among individuals due to a lack of immunity in the population. Although predicting an influenza pandemic is inherently complex, this joint procurement framework is critical to the Commission’s ongoing efforts to bolster EU-level preparedness and response, thereby safeguarding public health.
“While the wounds of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to heal, we must remain vigilant and prepared for future threats with pandemic potential. This joint procurement agreement, which secures access to over 27 million pandemic influenza vaccine doses, will help protect our citizens should such an emergency arise. Ensuring timely access to medical countermeasures is a key component of our Preparedness Union,” stated Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
This procurement initiative builds upon prior agreements signed with CSL Seqirus in 2019 and GSK in 2022, which allow participating countries to acquire vaccine doses in response to an influenza pandemic. The framework contract is set for 48 months and may be renewed for two additional 12-month periods.
