EU states to share swine flu vaccine supplies

The European Commission adopted on the 15 September 2009 a strategy paper supporting Member States in their efforts to respond efficiently to the pandemic H1N1 2009.

In order to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic, the Commission highlights the importance of close coordination between EU Member States in all related sectors affected by the pandemic. The Commission leads the EU coordination on the pandemic through well established structures such as the EU's Health Security Committee and with the scientific advice provided by EU Agencies (e.g European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and European Medicines Agency).

The strategy paper identifies key strategic strands to strengthen coordination and emphasises support to the Member States that are in a less favourable situation. Vaccination remains one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of the pandemic and attention is centred on vaccine development and vaccination strategies as well as supporting Member States in procuring vaccines. The need for clear, coherent and targeted messages on preventive measures, including vaccination, to the public is addressed. Solidarity for third countries is also part of the overall capacity building that the Commission wants to promote.

European Commission: Press Release: IP/09/1323: Commission adopts EU strategy on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1323&format=DOC&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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