Bridging Trials on for Imported Swine flu Vaccine; Swine flu fears at the Kumbh Mela

Since the Swine flu vaccine being produced indigenously in India are still some way away from commercial availability, attempts have been underway for the vaccine to be imported for use here after being tested for efficacy and safety of use for the Indian populace. These tests on imported swine flu vaccines, also known as bridging trials are to be conducted in Hyderabad, by the end of February according to this report in The Hindu.

According to the report, the bridging trials are first step towards taking up a vaccine inoculation programme among high-risk groups in the country, such as pregnant women, children, health care workers and persons with co-existing morbidities.

“Bridging trials are needed till indigenous H1N1 vaccine is developed. The trial will help assess safety and tolerance among the diverse population in India. Several other hospitals in the country will also take part in the trials,” the swine flu coordinator in Andhra Pradesh was quoted as having said.

The process of making the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine available for commercial use in India is seems finally to have got on track. According to reports Zydus Cadila, the Indian company that is closest to producing an indigenously prepared H1N1 Swine flu vaccine for the Indian market has commenced clinical trials for their vaccine, subsequent to being given the go ahead by the Drug Controller General of India.

One of the big challenges that is to face the country’s swine flu prevention programme is the upcoming Kumbh Mela that is due to start in the hill state of Uttarakhand in the Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar region on 15 January, which is among the largest periodic human congregations in the world.

The precaution of 150 doctors and 31 temporary hospitals to control the spread of swine flu at the mela has been taken by the state authorities. A stock pile of 3 lakh Tamifllu tablets have also been stockpiled by the authorities which have been supplied by the centre for the purpose.

The authorities said low temperatures and huge crowds may lead to a major outbreak of swine flu that has already killed 13 people in the hill state. Nearly 130 people have been infected by the virus in Uttarakhand. Public awareness drives about the pandemic in the Kumbh Mela region are also planned to be put in place.

“Over 120 doctors have been trained to diagnose and treat swine flu during the congregation. Besides, there are 12 others who have been trained to man Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and operate ventilators in case of emergency situations,” an official was reported as saying, in this report, adding that “There are 19 members who will form the four rapid response teams. In each team there will be at least one epidemiologist along with other doctors.”

Meanwhile the Swine flu death toll in India has now crossed the 1000 mark, with a total of 1037 individuals having succumbed to the deadly virus in the country. Over 27,000 people have tested positive so far.

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