Disease X and Emerging Infection Risks: Q&A

Our Disease X and Emerging Infection Risks Q&A brings together expert insight and practical explanation for primary care professionals, nurses, pharmacists, and other clinicians looking to better understand emerging infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness. In this recorded Lunchtime Health News session, Professor Seshadri Vasan joins Health Academy Clinical Trainer Alys Bunce to explore what “Disease X” really means, how emerging infection risks are assessed, and what happens when a new pathogen is identified.

What This Disease X and Emerging Infection Risks Q&A Covers

• What organisations such as the WHO mean by “Disease X”
• How emerging infectious risks are identified and assessed
• What happens in the early stages of a newly detected pathogen
• How surveillance, laboratory science, and epidemiology inform preparedness
• How modern vaccine platforms enable earlier and more flexible responses
• Common misconceptions around vaccine speed, safety, and evidence
• What has changed since COVID-19 and ongoing challenges

About our expert

Professor S.S. Vasan is an internationally recognised leader in infectious diseases and vaccine science. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, which is funding his Disease X preparedness research through its Triennial Travel Medicine Research Fellowship Award from 2024 to 2027. He also received the Australian science agency’s Chairman’s Medal in 2020 for leading its COVID-19 response. His work spans research, policy, and preparedness planning, with a focus on how health organisations and governments respond to emerging infectious risks.

About our host

Alys Bunce is a Health Academy Clinical Trainer specialising in Travel Health and Immunisation. She is known for making complex topics practical, clear, and accessible for healthcare professionals.

📆 Originally recorded live as a Health Academy Lunchtime Health News Session – Monday 16th March 2026, 12:15pm–1:00pm (BST)

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