Canadians saw first-hand during COVID-19 why it is critically important that we are prepared for whatever comes next.
Published July 7th, 2025 at 10:16am
Canada must do more to prepare for the next pandemic: CSL Seqirus
iPolitics spoke with Gill Stafford, head of commercial operations for CSL Seqirus, a vaccine manufacturer, to discuss why Canada needs to adopt a more proactive approach to pandemic preparedness, as well as how CSL Seqirus is working to support public health across the globe.
Let’s start with the basics. We recently marked the 5th anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, why is pandemic preparedness important for Canadians right now?
Because it is always best to be prepared for emergencies, rather than be caught off guard. We don’t know when, but unfortunately it is likely that COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic that we experience globally.
And Canadians saw first-hand during COVID-19 why it is critically important that we are prepared for whatever comes next. Let’s also not forget the added risks to employment security and the significant impacts on our economy. In the first couple months of COVID-19, we saw cumulative job losses in Canada surpass three million, which is only one example of how pandemics can place a massive burden on national economies.
Public health experts will tell you that the risk of another influenza pandemic is not hypothetical. It’s a statistical certainty. Therefore, it’s best that we are not caught off-guard and that countries are able to respond accordingly.
So, what is your role in helping us prepare?
CSL Seqirus is a global leader in both seasonal and pandemic influenza prevention. Essentially, we demonstrate our leadership through producing both the flu shot you get every year, as well as vaccines that help fight pandemics. Our global manufacturing capacity, which spans several continents, enables us to be agile as we support our customers and public health around the world. We’re driven by a promise we’ve made to protect public health, and we’ve partnered with more than 30 governments globally, all of whom recognize our commitment to fulfilling that promise.
And can you share some examples of efforts CSL Seqirus has taken on pandemic preparedness?
Absolutely. For example, take the recent bird flu outbreak in the U.S., their pandemic preparedness authority has selected us to complete the vaccine manufacturing process to help with the national outbreak and preparedness response.
Elsewhere, we’ve also worked with the European Union’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) to support pre-pandemic procurement of bird flu vaccines in Europe.
In Canada, we’re currently having conversations with federal and provincial governments about how we can do more to help prepare.
The recent outbreak in the U.S. has seen this strain of bird flu cause widespread disease in poultry, which has then spilled over into other mammals, including humans. One person in Louisiana tragically passed away from an avian flu strain, H5N1, earlier this year, which shows that we’ve already reached a critical juncture to take pandemic preparedness more seriously. Last fall, Canada also experienced its first domestically acquired human case of H5N1 avian flu in BC, where the teenager was hospitalized.
With the first human case of the H5N1 avian flu found in Canada recently, what work is being done to combat the transmission and protect Canadians?
In short, I believe that there’s always more to be done.
We look forward to having more discussions with the federal government. Governments of all stripes should ensure that preparing for public health emergencies is appropriately prioritized. We’ve been closely monitoring reports about the recent bird flu outbreak, and we are well-positioned to respond as a trusted partner in public health that is committed to prevention from a future health emergency.
So, what exactly does CSL Seqirus’ relationship with the Canadian government look like? Can you describe that for me?
Absolutely.
We’re proud to be a one of Canada’s pandemic vaccine suppliers. Presently, we have a pandemic preparedness contract with the federal government for a pandemic influenza vaccine which allows us to help Canadians in the event of a healthcare emergency.
We also remain a trusted partner for Canadian authorities on pandemic and seasonal immunization, but we look forward to developing those relationships even more in order to advance various preparedness initiatives and to share our expertise.
Let’s talk about research and development (R&D), which plays an important role in advancing public health. What does CSL Seqirus do regarding R&D in Canada, and how does it contribute to pandemic preparedness?
It’s an excellent question. R&D is crucial to the whole operation. You cannot be prepared for the next pandemic without investing in R&D, and that’s not lost on us.
In Canada, we’ve invested $10.5 million in the past five years to support various R&D initiatives, most of which involve research projects focusing on developing a pipeline of influenza vaccines.
Finally, the big question — do you believe Canada is adequately prepared for a future pandemic? And, if not, what steps do you believe need to be taken?
We are pleased to see that Canada has made progress. Recently the government purchased 500, 000 doses with a manufacturer. Perhaps it’s cliché, but more needs to be done. Additionally, the establishment of the new agency, Health Emergency Readiness Canada, was also an important step to prepare for future pandemics. However, we believe that conversation needs to be more front-of-mind for political leaders and decisionmakers.
The impact of COVID-19 is still freshly ingrained in the minds of millions of Canadians, but we cannot forget the costs I mentioned earlier. Thousands of lives. Billions of dollars. It’s not something anyone would like to live through again, so let’s make sure we’re adequately prepared.
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