Canada buys 500,000 doses of H5N1 avian influenza vaccine for those most at risk

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Wednesday that it has acquired 500,000 doses of a human vaccine designed to protect against avian influenza. This vaccine, known as GSK’s Arepanrix H5N1 A/America, is specifically targeted towards individuals who are at higher risk of exposure to the virus from infected animals. By leveraging an existing agreement, the agency was able to secure the initial supply of the vaccine.

In a statement, the agency emphasized that while the current risk to the general public is low, those with increased exposure to infected animals should take necessary precautions. This decision comes after Canada reported its first domestically acquired human case of avian influenza, A(H5N1), in November 2024. The patient, a teenager from B.C., required significant respiratory support but eventually recovered and was discharged from the hospital in January.

Health officials are closely monitoring the genetic features of the virus strain found in the Canadian patient, comparing it to strains found in other cases around the world. Despite the presence of certain genetic mutations that could potentially increase the virus’s ability to infect humans, there has been no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread of the virus.

Sixty percent of the vaccine doses will be distributed to provinces and territories, with the remaining doses being stockpiled for national preparedness. Provinces and territories will have the discretion to decide how to deploy the vaccines. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has also released preliminary guidance on using the vaccine in a non-pandemic context.

In addition to Canada, other countries are also taking steps to stockpile vaccines and prepare for potential outbreaks of avian influenza. European authorities have highlighted the risks of genetic mutations and human activities in facilitating the transmission of the virus from animals to humans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, for instance, is rebuilding a stockpile of bird flu vaccines for poultry to match the circulating virus strain.

Overall, the global community is closely monitoring the pandemic potential of avian influenza and other influenza viruses. The development of vaccines for both humans and poultry is a crucial step in preventing and controlling the spread of the virus. As research and development in this area continue to progress, countries around the world are preparing for potential outbreaks and working towards safeguarding public health.