U.S. LAUNCHES TRIALS OF SWINE FLU VACCINE
U.S. medical institutes and hospitals launch the start of A/H1N1 (swine flu) virus vaccination trial today, foreign media reports.
US authorities are searching for volunteers to launch clinical trials of swine flu vaccines ahead of the northern winter flu season.
These data will be factored into the decision about how and if to implement 2009 H1N1 flu immunization program this fall.
Officials are worried that the arrival of the traditional flu season in the later months of the year could accelerate the number of cases around the nation.
The trials are being conducted in a compressed timeframe in a race against the possible autumn resurgence of 2009 H1N1 flu infections that may occur at the same time as seasonal influenza virus strains begin to circulate widely.