Throughout the world, those nations with systems for monitoring and controlling influenza have demonstrated a capability and capacity to better respond to the threat of COVID-19. From disease risk education and prevention, surveillance, the collection and analysis of laboratory specimens, the sharing of information and genetic sequence data, to vaccine readiness, the global and national influenza infrastructure is proving to be indispensable in the public health response to COVID-19. But COVID-19 is not the only threat we face. Influenza viruses can emerge and are often unpredictable. A severe influenza pandemic could kill millions and cripple the global economy.

PIVI collaborates with countries to strengthen their ability to reliably and quickly deliver vaccines, and save lives.

The seasonal flu is not just an uncomfortable nuisance as many experience it. Each year, seasonal flu causes millions of severe illnesses and hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world. The elderly, pregnant women, children under the age of 5, people with compromised immune systems and the health workers are among the most at risk. And during this next influenza season, influenza viruses will likely be co-circulating with COVID-19 so getting your flu shot, and strengthening flu vaccine programs around the world is more important than ever. Read More…