Rich countries to share flu jabs - September 17, 2009
All Nature’s pandemic flu coverage is collected on our news special page.
Nine countries pledged today to share 10% of their swine flu vaccine supplies with developing nations that might need it.
Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom will make the vaccine available through the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO had been asking for such donations. Today's decision was likely buoyed by positive results from ongoing vaccine trials showing that single doses might be sufficient to provide immune protection. Many countries had ordered enough stock for two doses, so they will likely now have extra shots to give away.
The US plans to make the H1N1 vaccine available "on a rolling basis as vaccine supplies become available," while ensuring that the country keeps sufficient stock to allow every American who wants a flu jab to receive one, the White House wrote in a statement.
International solidarity "will be a determining factor in reducing the health, economic and social impact of the pandemic," French President Nicolas Sarkozy's office said. (AFP)
Susan Rice, US ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters: "The speed and the scale of our global response will help minimize the overall impact of the pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza and ensure our collective and common security in our increasingly interdependent world." (AP)
