| last updated: Friday 25 September 2009, 09:40am |  Print this page |
Decision due on swine flu vaccine licence
|
| Swine flu jab |
European regulators are expected to decide later whether or not to licence the swine flu vaccine.
The Government is waiting for the go-ahead before it can be given to members of the public.
If the European Medicines Agency does give the thumbs up, people in high-risk groups, such as those with asthma or diabetes, will be vaccinated first.
Evidence suggests that people may only need one dose of the jab rather than two, although children may still need two after showing a lower immune response in clinical trials.
The latest data from the Government shows the number of swine flu cases across the country has almost doubled in a week, from an estimated 5,000 to 9,000.
Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson said the number of cases was still relatively low, but there were signs a second wave of swine flu could be on its way.
Sir Liam said he was 'optimistic' that the country may be able to rely on one dose for adults.
© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
