New Delhi:
It's considered a major medical breakthrough - India's first home made swine flu vaccine was launched by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday. It will hit the markets on Friday.
The Health Minister launched the vaccine and was even injected with it.
Named Vaxiflu-S, it has been manufactured by pharmaceutical major Cadila Healthcare and is an egg-based, single dosed vaccine. It's priced at Rs 350.
"This is the first indigenous influenza vaccine in India since Independence. The H1N1 influenza made us think that we cannot wait to import vaccines. The population and spread of our country is so huge that it's not advisable for us to depend on foreign countries for vaccines like this," Azad said.
Vaxiflu-S is a prescription drug, not meant to be sold over the counter. Its side effects, experts say, are minor which include fever, aches, mild soreness. However, one in a million could be exposed to the risk of the Guillain Barre Syndrome - a rare neurological disorder.
For now, the vaccine is meant only for those above the age of 18. Trials for use by children will start now.
"This technology will help us produce other kinds of vaccines for flu. The trivalent vaccine for seasonal flu should be out by the end of the year," said Surinder Singh, the Drug Controller General of India.
Over the next few months, another three drug companies will come out with their own versions of the vaccine.
It's a vaccine that promises to change the way India will tackle swine flu. Going forward, it's taken nine months to make, that too while the pandemic is still on. And given the kind of panic we saw during last year's outbreak, this vaccine should go a long way in ensuring much better preparedness should there be another wave.