Caribbean countries will have priority access to pandemic influenza vaccines under a new agreement signed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) with global manufacturer CSL Seqirus.
According to the PAHO website the deal reserves a fixed share of CSL Seqirus’s worldwide pandemic flu vaccine output for Latin America and the Caribbean. The arrangement also involves Sinergium Biotech in Argentina, which will play a role in regional manufacturing capacity.
The agreement, signed on 12 May 2026, is designed to ensure that Caribbean nations are not left behind in the scramble for vaccines during a future global health emergency. PAHO officials said the mechanism would provide “predictable and equitable access” for member states, a move intended to avoid the inequities seen during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Health ministers across the region welcomed the announcement, noting that small island states were disproportionately affected by delays in COVID‑19 vaccine deliveries. Many Caribbean governments had struggled to secure supplies when wealthier nations dominated the early distribution of coronavirus vaccines.
The new deal is part of PAHO’s broader strategy to strengthen regional preparedness and resilience. By securing guaranteed access to pandemic influenza vaccines, officials hope to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the risk of prolonged health and economic disruption.
While the agreement does not immediately change the current vaccine landscape, it marks a significant step in institutionalising fairness in global health supply chains. Caribbean leaders have long argued that equitable access to vaccines is essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring that smaller nations are not sidelined in times of crisis.