What progress have you made since your last update?

I funded a modelling group at the University of Melbourne to model future pandemics and the effects of different interventions. I presented 2 posters at an international influenza conference in October (OPTIONS XII). I have also activated an author of previous pandemic awareness papers, to co-ordinate a meeting at Georgetown University in Q4 2024, to hopefully build momentum towards more pandemic preparedness activities.

I attended two WHO influenza strain selection meetings (Feb and Sep 2024) and two Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee meetings (Oct 2023 and Oct 2024).

Stakeholder feedback was negative around a quadrivalent influenza vaccine incorporating a pre-pandemic strain. Positive feedback on alternative of a universal priming vaccine against influenza, to provide pandemic protection on Day 1. I will be working to raise awareness around the funding available for work on this product.

What are your next steps?

Write up modelling paper/s, including modelling for universal pandemic priming vaccine. Investigate technical feasibility of this type of vaccine product. Continue to encourage discussion of pre-immunity through academic partners. Raise awareness of Easy BAA funding available for innovation in this area of interest.

Is there anything others could help you with?

I'm working with aligned organisations like 1 day sooner and Good Ancestors Policy - join them to support this project!

What progress have you made since your last update?

I have made connections with like-minded organisations and academic collaborators, to try to activate some proactive steps to address a future H5N1 influenza A pandemic. I am working with Good Ancestors Policy, an Australian Effective Altruism organisation to share ideas and resources, and contribute to Australian health policies. I am funding a modelling group at the University of Melbourne to model future pandemics and the effects of different interventions, poster to be presented at an international influenza conference in October (OPTIONS XII). I have also activated an author of previous pandemic awareness papers, to co-ordinate a meeting at Georgetown University in Q4 2024, to hopefully build momentum towards more pandemic preparedness activities.

What are your next steps?

Finalise poster/s for OPTIONS XII conference. Attend conference and WHO influenza vaccine meeting to activate stakeholders to discuss more proactive influenza vaccination activities.

Is there anything others could help you with?

I'm working with aligned organisations like 1 day sooner and Good Ancestors Policy - join them to support this project!