Vaccination, prevention and solidarity. These are the main pillars of the common European strategy against Mexican flu, otherwise known as swine flu. So far, there has been no coordination whatsoever. The Netherlands has finalised its vaccination plan, whereas some other member states have not even ordered vaccines yet.

By Vanessa Mock and Willemien Groot

The past few months have been notable for the complete lack of coordination in the European Union’s planning against the A(H1N1) virus. Each member state has been trying to protect its citizens against the flu epidemic as best it could. On Tuesday, European Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou launched a plan of action for the entire union.

Listen to the Newsline interview with Commissioner Vassiliou:

Purchasing policy
One of the propositions involves a joint purchasing policy for flu vaccines. The smaller member states in particular still have no supply worth mentioning. Commissioner Vassiliou says this had nothing to do with a lack of interest, but their orders are not large enough. Suppliers prefer to do business with commercially more attractive customers.

"So by pulling together all these countries we are reaching a substantial amount of orders to make the pharmaceutical industries interested. But we are also facilitating their negotiations of price and making it easier for them to find a solution which will be good."

Ms Vassiliou wants to use Europe’s economic clout to help non-member states place orders for the vaccine. She sees no point in placing a bulk order for the entire union, but does support the bundling of individual contracts. Reportedly, it would take too much time to harmonise legislation for the purchase of drugs, which differs from one member state to the next.

The United States has approved the first vaccine intended for humans. The European Union is to take a decision next month. Only then can the vaccination campaign among high-risk groups be formally launched.

Stay alert
The virus appears to be considerably less dangerous than the World Health Organisation initially thought. The flu season in the southern hemisphere has passed without additional problems. Nobody seems to be particularly worried in Europe. However, with winter just round the corner, the European Commission wants to ensure everybody stays alert. There will be more education, both for the health ministers and for EU citizens. Because, according to Ms Vassiliou, the problem has not gone away.

"Because we have to maintain our vigilance, we have to be calm, but we have to be prepared for the worst. The worst may never come. Let's hope it will never come but we have to be prepared."

She says the member states should be especially aware of the consequences of a possible epidemic for public health, the economy and society. Concrete measures to prevent the virus from spreading such as temporarily closing schools or additional travel advisories are not necessary.

The Commission’s action plan may be cut and dried to some member states, to others it is welcome support.