The Department of Health and Human Services reported Monday it would expedite the process of development for a Zika vaccine.
This follows a House decision last week to provide $1.1 billion in funding to combat the Zika virus.
The Center for Innovation in Advanced Development Manufacturing in Baltimore will perform a variety of studies to move quickly through the early stages of development.
After these studies are conducted, CIADM will submit a request to the FDA to begin clinical studies.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the overseer of development for the vaccine research, will provide $21.9 million over the next 30 months to the CIADM.
In addition to accelerating the development of a vaccine, HHS was involved in a “tabletop” preparedness exercise last Friday held at the FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., according to another HHS report.
The exercise was conducted due to CDC and HHS’ belief that there will be a spike in local transmissions of the Zika virus in the summer months.
It was determined that localities and states will lead the primary response in the event of an outbreak, while the federal government will provide advice, assistance and resources if necessary.
The simulations ensured “that state and federal officials are ready to respond quickly, forcefully and efficiently once local transmission begins occurring.”
