By Susan Anyangu
The first doses of a H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccine will be ready later this month, the World Health Organisation has announced.
The news comes as health authorities play down concerns over the use of controversial ‘boosters’ based on a shark-liver substance in the vaccine.
In an interview on the WHO official website, Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research, says the vaccine would be available for purchase, but only by governments.
"Some manufacturers announced in July that the vaccine is available, but that does not mean it is ready for use," Dr Kieny said. "It needs regulatory approval."
She said authorities were considering the best way to register the vaccines quickly. The consensus was that the first doses would be available to governments for use in September.
Added substances
WHO has also defended the use of squalene-based adjuvants (substances added to vaccines to enhance the immune response) in the swine flu vaccines.
Squalene, a naturally occurring substance commercially extracted from shark liver oil, has been claimed to cause the various side effects known as ‘Gulf War syndrome’. However, WHO says no severe adverse effects have been associated with it.
WHO warns that the vaccines will not be adequate for entire populations. Governments will, therefore, have to decide who gets vaccinated.
However, WHO recommends that health workers be first, to protect the health system and allow them to care for patients.
Kieny said: "The strategy a country takes will depend on its policy objectives and the availability of vaccine. Countries may also reduce deaths and infection and target specific groups such as pregnant women."
Vaccinations will also be offered to people at high risk for complications such as children, parents or caretakers of babies under six months old, and adults with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease.
It emerges some high income countries have ordered enough vaccine for the whole population.
To safeguard the needs of developing countries, including Africa, WHO has instituted measures to ensure they secure vaccines.
The situation in Kenya
• The last briefing a month ago by Ministry of Public Health indicated Kenya had 71 confirmed cases of H1N1.
• Of these, 40 cases were in Nairobi, two in Garissa, 18 in Kisumu, one in Nyeri and 10 in Keiyo.
• Following the confirmation of the spread of the virus, the ministry strengthened its surveillance in Keiyo, Marakwet, Naivasha, East Pokot and Bunyala.
