A new vaccine that could help prevent an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has been approved by the European Commission.
GlaxoSmithKline's Prepandrix vaccine is the first preventative medication on the market.
The H5N1 strain has caused the death of 234 people since 2003, although it isn't easily transmitted to humans. GSK argue that it's only a matter of time before H5N1 mutates into a more virulent strain, potentially killing hundreds of thousands of people.
Emmanuel Hanon, Head of Flu at GSK's vaccines business, said: "The chances are there will be another influenza pandemic soon. If you look at the twentieth century, a major outbreak happens every 30 to 40 years."
Prepandrix contains an adjuvant, an ingredient that allows a low level of the vaccine's active ingredient to be used in each shot. This makes it easier to manufacture large supplies of the vaccine quickly in the event of an outbreak.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has recommended that the Department of Health should vaccinate all patients in at-risk groups.
GlaxoSmithKline's Prepandrix vaccine is the first preventative medication on the market.
The H5N1 strain has caused the death of 234 people since 2003, although it isn't easily transmitted to humans. GSK argue that it's only a matter of time before H5N1 mutates into a more virulent strain, potentially killing hundreds of thousands of people.
Emmanuel Hanon, Head of Flu at GSK's vaccines business, said: "The chances are there will be another influenza pandemic soon. If you look at the twentieth century, a major outbreak happens every 30 to 40 years."
Prepandrix contains an adjuvant, an ingredient that allows a low level of the vaccine's active ingredient to be used in each shot. This makes it easier to manufacture large supplies of the vaccine quickly in the event of an outbreak.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has recommended that the Department of Health should vaccinate all patients in at-risk groups.
