BBC reports that Dr. Gary Nabel and colleagues at the
Vaccine Research Center (US) say that H2N2 poses a risk for a pandemic and that world governments should start a preemptive vaccine program now.
They suggest a worldwide vaccine program despite the fact that H2N2 does not currently pose a threat.
However, there was a major "oopsie" in 2004-2005, when "3,700 test kits of the 1957 H2N2 virus were
accidentally spread around the world."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_A_virus_subtype_H2N2
http://www2a.cdc.gov/HAN/ArchiveSys/ViewMsgV.asp?AlertNum=00229
The full BBC report is here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12691894
Excerpts:
"The US authors say immunity to the H2N2 flu strain is very low in people under the age of 50. But a safe vaccine already exists after an H2N2 outbreak in the 1950s and '60s. They say that vaccinating now could save billions of dollars if a pandemic does develop."
"Between 2003 and 2007 they examined levels of immunity to H2N2 among a small group of 90 people.
"Our study suggests that people under the age of 50 have little or no immunity, and resistance dramatically increases for those older than 50. This was also the case for the 2009 H1N1."
They argue that the vaccine developed in the 1950s would still work today and that governments should use this to develop a pre-emptive vaccination programme.
"One approach would be to manufacture the vaccine licensed in 1957 and immunise enough of the world's population to provide 'herd immunity' to the rest.
"This could be achieved by a 'one-time' campaign to immunise most of the adult population worldwide - for example, as part of standard seasonal flu vaccinations - accompanied by an ongoing programme to administer the vaccine to children."
Cheaper option
The authors say this would be a much cheaper option than stockpiling the vaccine or waiting for a pandemic to strike before boosting production.
"Another major influenza pandemic is likely to cost far more and create a much greater health burden than a well-planned pre-emptive programme.
"The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a pandemic outbreak costs the United States between $71 billion and $167 billion."
Pretty amazing numbers being thrown around. Common sense seems to dictate that we spend millions now to save billions later. However, inquiring minds want to know which companies hold the patents for these vaccines? Somebody call Congress!
