First H1N1 vaccines available in UK next month
July 17, 2009
According to statements made by UK governments this week, the first H1N1 vaccines for swine flu will begin to be available in August, although health experts are questioning the timing.
Scotland is said to be the top priority in the UK for receiving the vaccine, and Westminster revealed that initial supplies were due to arrive next month.
The government’s statements followed comments made by Dr Margaret Chan, the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), who indicated that it may take two or three more months before a vaccine could be made available widely, even though the UK government has said that supplies should begin arriving next month.
Chan said: “There’s no vaccine,” adding: “One should be available soon, in August. But having a vaccine available is not the same as having a vaccine that has been proven safe. Clinical trial data will not be available for another two to three months.”
It was learned last week that it may not be until November of 2010 that the whole population of Scotland could receive H1N1 vaccinations. The first batches of the vaccine are expected next month, however.
Currently, health officials are establishing priorities as to who will receive the vaccine first, and it is likely that a list will include those having other medical conditions, children and heath care workers.
Thanks to news.scotsman.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.
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