Having both antigen and adjuvant on hand provides maximum flexibility in a future immunization program, if a program is recommended. For example, if needed these ingredients could be used in vaccine to help protect health providers and other members of the critical workforce, as recommended by the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.

With these funds manufacturers will also prepare pilot lots of potential vaccine for use in clinical studies to determine the proper dose for a vaccine, determine if adjuvants are appropriate and ensure a vaccine is safe and effective. The U.S. government will share as much information as possible from the results of these clinical studies with the World Health Organization and the global community so that other countries can benefit from the U.S. efforts to determine dosage, safety and effectiveness.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response established the existing contracts with these companies in 2004 as part of the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.

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