One dose of vaccine may be enough to fight off swine flu

Published on Thursday 3 September 2009 20:21

RESULTS from a pilot study of a swine flu vaccine revealed a "strong immune response" after just one dose, researchers have said.

Scientists from the University of Leicester said they tested 100 healthy volunteers with a cell-based drug to see how their immune system responded.

The trial leader Dr Iain Stephenson found 80 per cent of the volunteers showed a "strong, potentially protective" response after one dose, with more than 90 per cent showing the same response after two doses.

He said: "The results suggest that one vaccine dose may be sufficient to protect against A(H1N1) swine flu. The aim of the trial was to find out how many doses and what type of vaccine is needed to give protection.

"These initial results should help to plan vaccination campaigns in the autumn, including doses and timings."

Larger trials are now under way around the world.

The government plans to vaccinate large swathes of the population following the swine flu outbreak.

It is currently expected that the first vaccinations of people in at-risk groups – such as those with asthma and diabetes – are expected to take place in October after the vaccine receives its licence.