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Influenza viruses

Israel Prepares for A/H1N1 Flu Outbreak with Vaccine Purchases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Israeli health officials have been anticipating a significant outbreak of the A/H1N1 influenza virus this winter, with projections suggesting that up to one quarter of the population, or over 1.5 million individuals, could contract the virus, potentially resulting in around 700 deaths. To mitigate this risk, the Israeli government has initiated a plan for precaution, including the purchase of a large quantity of vaccines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli Health Ministry has signed two deals for the purchase of A/H1N1 influenza vaccine: one with Swiss company Novartis and another with French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur.
  • The deal with Sanofi Pasteur allows Israel to purchase vaccine worth 7 million New Israeli Shekels (approximately 1.8 million U.S. dollars) after it is tested safe and approved by regulators.
  • Israeli health experts warn that up to one quarter of the Israeli population, or over 1.5 million individuals, may contract the virus during a possible outbreak this winter.
  • The novel flu has already hit Israel, with over 2,100 people diagnosed with the flu virus and eight reported deaths.
  • The Israeli government has initiated a plan for precaution, including the purchase of a large quantity of vaccines.

Statistics:

  • 2,100: The number of people diagnosed with the flu virus in Israel as of the reporting date.
  • 8: The number of reported deaths from the flu virus in Israel as of the reporting date.
  • 7 million: The value of the A/H1N1 vaccine purchase from Sanofi Pasteur in New Israeli Shekels.
  • 1.8 million: The approximate value of the A/H1N1 vaccine purchase from Sanofi Pasteur in U.S. dollars.
  • 1.5 million: The estimated number of Israelis who may contract the virus during a possible outbreak this winter.
  • 700: The estimated number of deaths from the virus during a possible outbreak this winter.

Sources:

  • "Israeli Health Ministry signs deal with Novartis for A/H1N1 flu vaccine". Jerusalem Post.
  • "Israel signs deal with Sanofi to buy A/H1N1 flu vaccine". Xinhua via COMTEX.
  • Comtex SmarTrend Alert. Comtex News Network, Inc.

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