Swine flu vaccines will not be foolproof: WHO
New Delhi: The much-awaited swine flu
vaccine, currently being developed, will not provide 100 per
cent protection against the disease, the World Health
Organisation said.
"No vaccines, including pandemic influenza vaccines,
provide 100 per cent protection against the disease. But they
do greatly reduce the risk of disease," WHO said in a
statement replying questions related to the vaccine.
According to the WHO, the influenza vaccines will only
become effective about 14 days after vaccination. Those
infected shortly before one to three days or shortly after
immunisation can still get the disease.
Moreover, the pandemic influenza vaccines are not
expected to provide protection against other influenza virus.
"Since current seasonal influenza vaccines do not contain
the pandemic virus, people should be vaccinated against both
pandemic influenza and seasonal influenza."
There are two types of vaccines -- one contains killed
viruses that is given by injection into the upper arm for most
people. For infants and young children, thigh is the preferred
site for the vaccine shot. Another type of vaccine is made
with live viruses and it is administered by nasal spray.
Recommendations on number of dosages to be used is yet to
be finalised. While immunisation experts recommend a single
dose of vaccine in adults and adolescents from 10 years of age
and above, more study is advised on effective dosage regimens
for immuno-suppressed persons for whom two doses of vaccine
may be needed, the WHO said.
Bureau Report