Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to summarize the available information on the use of influenza A/H5N1 prototype vaccine against the H5N1 influenza virus (thought to pose the greatest threat for a pandemic).

Authors' recommendations: In the event of an avian influenza pandemic, it is expected that vaccines will be provided free to those at high risk for infection. Essential personnel would be vaccinated first, followed by persons at high risk for severe or fatal outcomes after infection. Vaccination of healthy adults and children would depend on supply. Conclusions: As of November 25, 2005, there have been 132 confirmed cases of human H5N1 avian influenza virus infections in Asia, resulting in 68 deaths. Most cases of H5N1 infection have occurred among poultry farm or market workers. The risk for human-to-human transmission has been limited. If a human-to-human strain of H5N1 influenza virus emerges, the experience gained from the production and clinical testing of prototype vaccines should permit fast development and mass production of an H5N1 pandemic vaccine. It remains to be seen if the virus that emerges will look like the prototype viruses, and if the vaccines produced will be effective. Because few countries have pandemic preparation plans, the implementation of an appropriate vaccine delivery strategy may prove challenging.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA)