At least half of the population will be protected by December
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The UK government has signed a deal for up to 90 million doses of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine by the end of the year.
The deal with pharmaceutical companies GlaxoSmithKline and Baxter will secure “early supplies” of a vaccine, with Health Secretary Alan Johnson confirming that production is beginning as soon as possible.
Enough vaccine has been ordered to protect at least half of the population by December at an estimated cost of £100 million, despite the fact a pandemic has not been declared.
The number of confirmed swine flu cases worldwide has risen by more than 1,000 in 24 hours to reach a total of 7,520. So far 85 cases of the new H1N1 strain has been identified in Britain, but all infected have showed only minor symptoms. Four new cases were reported in London today and three in Scotland.
Experts predict swine flu could cause a wave of more widespread illness in winter.
The Department of Health said the order could provide enough vaccine to protect health workers and the most vulnerable patients before a pandemic arrived.
Agreements worth £155 million have also been signed to supply 132 million doses of vaccine to inoculate people in the event of a pandemic.
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