Race Against the Bird Flu: Vaccine Trials and Global Efforts

The video discusses an experimental bird flu vaccine trial at the University of Rochester Medical Centre, highlighting its preliminary safety and effectiveness. The vaccine targets the H5N1 strain, prevalent in Asia and Europe, but may offer limited protection if the virus mutates. The US government has stockpiled 2 million doses, aiming to protect 20 million people, though production challenges remain. The pharmaceutical company Roche is donating Tamiflu to countries affected by H5N1 and has increased production, providing 3 million packs to the WHO.

What is the primary goal of the experimental vaccine trial at the University of Rochester Medical Centre?

• To develop a universal flu vaccine

• To protect against the H5N1 bird flu strain

• To cure the common cold

• To test a new cancer treatment

Why might the current vaccine provide only partial protection against the bird flu?

• The vaccine is only effective in children

• The vaccine is too expensive to produce

• The virus could mutate significantly

• The vaccine is not yet fully developed

How many doses of the bird flu vaccine has the US government stockpiled?

• 500,000 doses

• 5 million doses

• 1 million doses

• 2 million doses

What challenge does the pharmaceutical industry face in producing the bird flu vaccine?

• Lack of raw materials

• Inability to produce enough for even a third of the population

• Limited distribution channels

• High production costs

Which countries received Tamiflu donations from Roche due to the discovery of the H5N1 strain?

• Greece and Bulgaria

• France and Germany

• Italy and Spain

• Turkey and Romania