Swine Flu Vaccine Seems Safe in Early Trials

No worrisome side effects so far, U.S. officials say; flu infections continue to be mild

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

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FRIDAY, Aug. 21 (HealthDay News) -- As the H1N1 swine flu virus continues to circle the globe, producing minor infections similar to seasonal flu, U.S. health officials said Friday that they were on track for a viable vaccine by the fall, with early indications that the shot is safe.

The new vaccine is now in a series of clinical trials, the results of which should be completed between mid-September and late October. Officials said they hope to have 45 million to 50 million doses by mid-October and 195 million doses by year's end.

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"A number of clinical trials were designed and have begun to ask fundamental questions that would inform how we would use the virus, the proper dose, some early safety data as well as the use of the vaccine in certain populations," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said during an afternoon press conference.

There are five trials, Fauci said. One trial, which started in early August, is designed to determine the most effective dose of the vaccine and whether one or two doses will be needed. "We expect first-dose data in mid-September and second-doses data in mid-October," he said.

Early results for this first trial among adults have found the vaccine to be safe with no serious side effects, he added.

Another trial, also involving adults, is looking to determine the best timing for giving the vaccine for seasonal flu as well as the new H1N1 swine virus vaccine. A third trial that began a few days ago is testing the vaccine in children 6 months to 17 years old, Fauci said. Dosing information from this trial is expected in September and October, he said.

Trials are also planned involving pregnant women; they are scheduled to start in mid-September.

Finally, there will be a trial testing so-called adjuvants, which are additions to the vaccine to make it more effective. This trial is set to launch in mid- to late September, Fauci said.

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