/epidemic-and-pandemic-preparedness-and-prevention-(epp)/influenza-preparedness-and-response-(ipr)/influenza-ukraine.tmb-1200v.png?sfvrsn=6b028828_1&w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Next-generation influenza vaccines could save millions of lives, finds WHO")
Next-generation influenza vaccines could save millions of lives, finds WHO
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, poses a significant global health challenge. A recent assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the potential of next-generation influenza vaccines to dramatically reduce the widespread impact of this pervasive illness.
The Current Burden of Influenza
Each year, approximately one billion cases of seasonal influenza occur worldwide. Of these, 3 to 5 million result in severe illness, and an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 people die from respiratory complications. Despite the availability of seasonal influenza vaccines since the 1950s, their use remains concentrated in upper middle- and high-income countries.
Limitations of Existing Vaccines
Current influenza vaccines, while helpful, aren’t perfect. Their effectiveness varies depending on the season and the individual receiving the vaccine. A key challenge is the need to accurately predict which influenza strains will circulate each year, as protection is limited to a single season.
The Promise of Next-Generation Vaccines
The WHO’s Full value of improved influenza vaccine assessment (FVIVA) evaluates the potential health, economic, and policy impacts of these improved vaccines. The FVIVA suggests that widespread use of next-generation influenza vaccines between 2025 and 2050 could prevent up to 18 billion cases of influenza globally.
These vaccines are particularly important for protecting vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, and pregnant women. The assessment estimates that up to 6.2 million lives could be saved through their implementation.
Economic and Public Health Benefits
The study indicates that, in many countries, next-generation influenza vaccines could be cost-effective or even cost-saving. Beyond direct health benefits, wider vaccine adoption could contribute to reduced antimicrobial use, helping to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Challenges and Considerations
The potential impact of improved influenza vaccines will vary depending on several factors. These include a country’s existing disease burden, the capacity of its health system, vaccine pricing, and logistical considerations. Safety, efficacy, duration of protection, temperature stability, and shelf-life will also be critical factors, especially for adoption in low- and middle-income countries.
The Full Value of Vaccine Assessment framework aims to facilitate informed discussions among governments, researchers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. It provides a comprehensive overview of the potential value of new vaccines and the key considerations for their development and use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the WHO assessment evaluate?
The WHO’s Full Value of Improved Influenza Vaccine Assessment (FVIVA) evaluates the health, economic, and policy impacts of next-generation influenza vaccines and identifies future barriers to their uptake globally.
Who is most likely to benefit from these new vaccines?
These vaccines are expected to particularly benefit people at higher risk of severe disease, such as older adults, young children, and pregnant women.
What is the potential impact on antibiotic use?
New influenza vaccines are estimated to avert up to 1.3 billion defined daily doses of antibiotics between 2025 and 2050, contributing significantly to combating increasing antimicrobial resistance.
As research continues and these next-generation vaccines move closer to widespread availability, it will be important to monitor their real-world effectiveness and address any challenges to ensure equitable access for all populations.