UK Warned of Pandemic Preparedness Gaps

A cross-party House of Lords Science and Technology Committee in the UK has warned that the country is inadequately prepared for future pandemics, highlighting serious concerns about its capacity to manufacture vaccines. Chair Baroness Brown emphasized the need for a robust domestic vaccine sector, which is deemed critical for national security against biological threats. Despite the UK's potential to lead in vaccine research, this advantage has not been fully utilized, as some vaccine initiatives have been put on hold, and agreements with manufacturers like Moderna may limit options to mRNA solutions. In contrast, the EU and countries like the US and Japan are advancing with diverse vaccine technologies, including oral and intranasal vaccines that could enhance distribution and immunity. The committee has called for a peacetime vaccines taskforce and better long-term funding for research facilities to ensure preparedness. This assessment coincides with a final report from the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in the US, urging a coordinated national response to pandemics based on lessons learned from COVID-19.