WHO Preferred Product Characteristics for Next-Generation Influenza Vaccines

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries immunize persons at high risk for severe influenza illness annually with influenza vaccines. However, many low and middle income countries (LMICs) do not have national influenza vaccine programs. The absence of such programs can be partly explained by the challenges associated with current vaccines which need to be tailored each year to match the anticipated circulating strains, are generally of moderate efficacy against ambulatory influenza illness, and provide limited duration of protection. Improved influenza vaccines that provide broader and longer protection against severe illness endpoints are needed to address public health needs in low and middle income country settings. To encourage innovation in influenza vaccine development to address these needs, WHO has developed Preferred Product Characteristics for Next Generation Influenza Vaccines. Preferred Product Characteristics (PPCs) describe WHO preferences for parameters of vaccines, chiefly their particular indications, target groups, immunization strategies, and clinical data for assessment of safety and efficacy. These preferences are shaped by the global unmet public health need in a WHO priority disease area.