Vaccination considerations in the context of avian influenza

Seasonal influenza vaccines

Seasonal influenza vaccines are available annually in all EU/EEA countries. These protect people who are at higher risk against severe disease from the most common strains of seasonal influenza viruses (subtypes A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B lineages) that circulate each year. Vaccination also plays a role in reducing the risk of infection and transmission of seasonal influenza viruses. By doing so, seasonal influenza vaccines can reduce the risk of being infected with seasonal influenza and avian influenza viruses at the same time. This is crucial, as the mixing of genomes from two strains in case of co-infection with both viruses can potentially lead to the emergence of a new influenza virus that could possibly cause an influenza pandemic.

While some key target groups (older people, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant women) are prioritised in all EU/EEA Member States, many countries also recommend seasonal influenza vaccination for those working closely with animals and who may be at increased risk of exposure to influenza viruses circulating in animals. Decisions concerning vaccination of these occupationally exposed individuals should always be made in consultation with national occupational safety and health authorities.

Vaccines against avian influenza viruses for humans

In the EU/EEA, three licensed zoonotic influenza vaccines are available to protect humans from a specific strain of avian influenza viruses (belonging to influenza A(H5)) that has been widely circulating among animals worldwide. These vaccines are primarily intended for use during outbreaks of influenza originating from animals. They are intended for specific groups, such as people working closely with animals, laboratory personnel potentially handling or performing diagnostics for high-risk samples, or healthcare workers at facilities in proximity of sites where outbreaks in animals have occurred. 

Recommendations concerning the vaccination of occupationally exposed individuals against zoonotic avian influenza, and concerning specific target groups for the vaccination, might vary across countries and should always be developed in consultation with national occupational safety and health authorities. More information on these vaccines and antiviral medicines against influenza viruses can be found on the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) page.

While H5 avian influenza viruses currently pose the greatest threat, WHO maintains a list of Candidate Vaccine Viruses (CVV) for several animal influenza viruses of concern. These CVVs can be used to produce vaccines in case of a pandemic. In the EU/EEA, four pandemic preparedness vaccines are currently authorised. They can be modified into pandemic influenza vaccines if the World Health Organization (WHO) declares a pandemic or if the EU declares a public health emergency. The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HERA) department of the European Commission has signed a framework contract for the joint procurement of these vaccines.