Qld scientists develop swine flu vaccine

Scientists at the University of Queensland have developed a vaccine for swine flu.
The breakthrough against the influenza A(H1N1) virus will be announced at the
university's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology on Monday
morning.
Five Australians with swine flu have died while more than 3,000 have been diagnosed.
"It's one of the first swine flu vaccines made but, unfortunately, it can't be used
in Australia yet," a university spokesman told AAP on Sunday.
"It's not registered for use in Australia yet."
Meanwhile, scientists from CSL say its Melbourne laboratory has created an effective
sample of a vaccine against the influenza, but human trials are needed to determine
the right dosage and may not be available until next winter.
Fairfax says the federal government has ruled out releasing the vaccine early to
vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.
Rachel David from CSL said results of the trial - involving 240 healthy adults from
South Australia - would determine when the 10 million doses ordered by the
government would be distributed.
Dr David said the earliest the vaccine would be ready for use is mid- to
late-August, but if the virus continued to produce mild symptoms the government
might delay distribution until next year.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration, the government and public health experts, not
CSL, would control when the vaccine is available.
All five people who have died in Australia with swine flu - two Western Australians
and three Victorians - had underlying health conditions.