Swine flu vaccine ‘by September’

Several manufacturers have produced initial batches of a H1N1 vaccine and some clinical trials are already underway. WHO director of vaccine research, Dr Marie Paul Kieny, also sought to calm fears about the safety of the new vaccines. She said the vaccines were based on “old and proven technology”.

Although it has not yet been clarified who would be first in line for a vaccine, it is likely to be those who are most vulnerable, such as pregnant women and young children. Some experts have raised concerns about the lack of safety data on flu vaccines in these groups. In particular is a very rare neurological condition called Guillame Barre syndrome, which affected 500 people during a U.S. vaccine programme against swine flu in 1976.

Dr Kieny said much was known about flu vaccines in these groups from seasonal vaccines given every winter and added that regulatory agencies would be monitoring any signs of adverse reaction.

“The quality controls on today’s vaccine are much better than they were 30 years ago,” she added.

BBC health news