WHO Says 2010 Vaccines Should Cover Swine Flu

The World Health Organisation said Wednesday that vaccines to be prepared for the southern hemisphere's 2010 flu season should offer protection against the pandemic swine flu virus.

However, the UN health agency added that it would issue a recommendation after an expert meeting end-October on whether or not a single vaccine would cover both pandemic and seasonal flu or whether separate shots may be needed.

Announcing its vaccine virus selection for next year's flu vaccines, the WHO said that the A/California/7/2009 virus which offers coverage against the A(H1N1) virus should be included.

In addition, two other viruses covering seasonal flu should be also be included.

"At this time, WHO is not in a position to advise whether there should be one trivalent influenza vaccine containing all three viruses, or whether there should be separate vaccines for pandemic and seasonal influenza," it said.

"WHO will be in a position to provide guidance on this issue after the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts meets in late October and deliberates on this issue," it added.

Vaccine production for the southern hemisphere's 2010 flu season should begin during the last quarter of 2009.

Source: AFP
LIN

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