Swine flu vaccines will not be foolproof: WHO (World Health Organisation)

Swine flu vaccines will not be foolproof: WHO

New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) The much-awaited swine flu vaccine, currently being developed, will not provide 100 per cent protection against the disease, the World Health Organisation said.

"No vaccines, including pandemic influenza vaccines, provide 100 per cent protection against the disease. But they do greatly reduce the risk of disease," WHO said in a statement replying questions related to the vaccine.

According to the WHO, the influenza vaccines will only become effective about 14 days after vaccination. Those infected shortly before one to three days or shortly after immunisation can still get the disease.

Moreover, the pandemic influenza vaccines are not expected to provide protection against other influenza virus.

"Since current seasonal influenza vaccines do not contain the pandemic virus, people should be vaccinated against both pandemic influenza and seasonal influenza.

[link to www.ptinews.com]