First swine flu vaccine approved; HEALTH.THE UK's first swine flu swine flu n. A highly contagious form of human influenza caused by a filterable virus identical or related to a virus formerly isolated from infected swine. vaccine vaccine Preparation containing either killed or weakened live microorganisms or their toxins, introduced by mouth, by injection, or by nasal spray to stimulate production of antibodies against an infectious agent. was yesterday cleared for use as the number of British deaths linked to the virus hit 82. European health regulators recommended the Pandemrix vaccine, made by GlaxoSmithKline, be licenced in all 27 EU states. The European Commission is expected to give the drug final clearance within the next few weeks. A second vaccine developed by rivals Baxter is still being considered. A health department spokesman said: "This is a positive step towards full licences for vaccines to protect the public. "The European Commission must now consider the recommendations and we hope for their decision as quickly as possible." |
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