Only an EU coordinated purchasing policy of influenza pandemic vaccines would ensure equitable distribution of pandemic vaccines in the European Union and would help the World Health Organisation acquire a stockpile of pandemic vaccines for distribution in developing countries, the European Scientific Working group on Influenza said.

The group said in a statement that since EU coordination to date was insufficient, many countries would not have access to influenza pandemic vaccines once they became availabe.

On June 11, the WHO decided to raise the level of pandemic alert to Phase 6, which means that the pandemic is a fact.

"This decision is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by it.

"To date, it is impossible to predict the burden of disease and mortality that this ‘Mexican flu’ pandemic will cause.

"Several scenarios may be envisaged, but the mere fact that this pandemic virus may gradually change to a much more pathogenic and transmissible virus calls for the urgent implementation of the appropriate pandemic preparedness measures," it said.

Since June 11, vaccine manufacturers started producing the pandemic vaccine, the first doses of which were expected to become available in September.

These doses, however, would be reserved for countries that ordered them in advance, leaving other countries empty-handed.

"Since it is not known how many countries have signed a so-called Advanced Purchase Agreement, it remains unclear to what extent EU citizens in different countries will be protected against a possible public health scourge.

"Equitable distribution of pandemic vaccines and adequate protection of all citizens in the EU requires a coordinated purchasing and distribution policy.

"ESWI, therefore, urges EU authorities to establish a uniform strategy to oversee and coordinate pandemic vaccine production and distribution in the EU."

Such a concerted approach was not only necessary to ensure solidarity between EU states and their inhabitants, but also between the EU and developing countries, the group said.