Europe has begun to prepare for a hypothetical pandemic whose protagonist is the avian influenza virus. After the impact of COVID-19 in recent years, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has given the green light to the avian flu vaccine.
In fact, there are two preparatory vaccines against this pathogen, which is the H5N1 subtype of the influenza A virus. The first formula is based on a virus that circulated among turkeys in 2005. The name of the first dose is Celldemic (zoonotic influenza vaccine). It will be intended for immunization during outbreaks of influenza from animals.
Formed by two proteins on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, they provoke the response of the immune system to the inoculated dose. On the other hand, there is the second formula, preparation for a pandemic. This is Incellipan (pandemic flu vaccine). Unlike the first, it will be used if the avian flu pandemic is officially declared. This contains hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface antigens purified from inactive viruses.
Dosage, interval between each vaccine and side effects
The development of both doses against the H5N1 virus, which causes avian flu, is carried out by the pharmaceutical company CSL Seqirus, one of the largest vaccine producers worldwide. Both are available as injectable suspensions of 7.5 micrograms per 0.5 ml dose.
The two doses of the Incellipan vaccine, in the event of a bird flu pandemic, will be administered with a time interval of three weeks. They are indicated for both adults and children over six months. In both minors and adults, the vaccine will provide the immune response three weeks after the administration of two doses.
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Regarding side effects, in the case of adults, as specified by the EMA, the most frequent are pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, general malaise, myalgia and arthralgia. For its part, in minors between six and 18 years old, it can cause pain at the injection site, myalgia, fatigue, general malaise, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and arthralgia. Meanwhile, in children between zero and six years old, the most common are sensitivity at the injection site, irritability, drowsiness, changes in eating habits and fever.
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2024-03-05 07:35:28
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