The Global Vaccine Action Plan calls for at least one licensed universal influenza vaccine by 2020. WHO Initiative for Vaccine Research monitors progress toward the achievement of the Global Vaccine Action Plan goals through regular consultations of experts in the field. Through periodic meetings of experts, WHO monitors research and development of universal influenza vaccines, highlights areas of unmet global need, and advocates for vaccine development that addresses this unmet global need.
The next meeting will take place on 23 and 24 August 2016 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago hotel, Chicago, Illinois, USA, and will gather leading experts from academic and private sector institution, and public health organizations.
The meeting objectives are to:
- review the current status of research and advanced development of influenza vaccines that induce broadly protective and long-lasting immune responses (next generation influenza vaccines) within the context of the Global Vaccine Action Plan;
- discuss the regulatory requirements and pathway for licensure of next generation influenza vaccines;
- understand manufacturing industry perspectives of next generation influenza vaccine clinical development; and
- identify areas where WHO can promote the development of next generation influenza vaccines.
In line with WHO policies, participation will be by invitation only. To inquire about invitations, contact the WHO IVR team at influenzavaccine@who.int before 1 July 2016
http://who.int/immunization/research/meetings_workshops/8th_influenza_vaccine_chicago2016/en/