WHO: Vaccine for A/H1N1 flu virus to be available soon

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-02-2009 12:46

The World Health Organization says a new vaccine for the H1N1 virus could be available within a relatively short period of time.

French Marie-Paule Kieny, Director of the Initiative for  Vaccine Research of the World Health Oorganisation (WHO), informs the media about the H1N1 Flu during a new global press conference at the World Health Organisation (WHO)  headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Friday, May 1, 2009.  AP Photo/Keystone, Salvatore Di Nolfi)

An official from the WHO says the United Nations health agency is in discussions with pharmaceutical manufacturers about a possible shift from a seasonal flu vaccine to an influenza vaccine production.

The WHO vaccine expert notes the existing vaccine against seasonal flu has little chance of being effective against the new H1N1 strain.

Several labs have been working to develop a vaccine for the new strain. But it will take between four and six months to produce the first batch.