Vaccine Development

Vaccines are developed to give immunity to those who are at risk for becoming infected. The World Health Organization (2005) warns, “No one will have immunity should an H5N1-like pandemic virus emerge.” At this time there is no vaccine to protect humans from H5N1. This guides health and research centers to begin vaccine development against H5N1. According to the CDC (2004 & 2005) vaccine development for H5N1 began in April 2005 and both the United States and United Kingdom are developing a reference virus of H5N1 to be used in the production of a vaccine. However, the City of Ottawa acknowledged (2006, para. 5) “it may take several months to develop, test, manufacture and distribute” an effective vaccine. Mayo Clinic (2005) does give hope by declaring that a “French vaccine maker has produced a bird flu vaccine that promoted an immune system response but still needs further study.” A consensus has been reached; the development of a vaccine against avian influenza, subtype H5N1, is required in the face of a potential pandemic.