[Registration of the first human vaccine against the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus: considerations]. / Het eerste in Europa geregistreerde humane vaccin tegen de hoogpathogene vorm van een vogelgriepvirus: overwegingen.

ABSTRACT

Since its emergence in 1997, the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus has posed the threat of causing a human pandemic. The question is whether it is feasible and advisable to attempt to give the population a certain degree of basic immunity to this virus. The recent development of effective adjuvants, which culminated this year in the approval of such a vaccine for human use in the European Union, indicates that the approach is possible, although many logistical problems remain. Pre-pandemic vaccination could be considered for the total population or for the most vulnerable groups, i.e. individuals receiving annual influenza vaccination. Another option is stock-piling vaccine, preferably separately from the adjuvant.