Description of subprojects and results, including major changes from the original proposal

I developed a detailed understanding of the global influenza vaccine landscape, and the process for technical recommendations for influenza vaccine strains. I discussed the pandemic preparedness strain inclusion with key stakeholders and decision makers. Unfortunately, the wider environment for influenza vaccination has been negative, with vaccination rates reduced after the COVID-19 pandemic, so decision makers want to focus on regaining confidence in proven vaccines.

Spending breakdown:

WHO meetings attendance: 4k

Influenza vaccine and biosecurity conferences attendance: 10k

Academic modelling project with University of Melbourne: 12k

Stakeholder mapping and policy landscape work: 4k

What progress have you made since your last update?

I will be attending the 3rd IMRP and 8th AVG Meeting in Singapore from 18-20 September 2025. I intend to be presenting a poster on the topic of an opportunity to test the long term efficacy of pandemic vaccines.

I will be attending the 3rd IMRP and 8th AVG Meeting in Singapore from 18-20 September 2025. I intend to be presenting a poster on the topic of priming influenza vaccine long term efficacy.

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!