by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: November 05, 2009

H1N1 virus has made a huge impact on global health which demanded the available resources to the fullest in order to prevent and control its rampaging effect. As with any seasonal influenza, health authorities as well as the manufacturers have embarked on developing a vaccine for the 'pandemic 2009 H1N1' strain which was both a relief to many as well as a marvel of modern medical technology. But, things did not go accordingly and even at this moment, the cry for more vaccine supply to most parts of the world can be heard in global health forums as well as in the public domain.

When considering the H1N1 vaccine, there are few questions which people would like answers. Some of these questions and the answers would be,

1. Have they developed the H1N1 vaccine? Yes

2. Have they started distribution? Yes

3. Does it work? Yes

4. Why aren't they supplying it adequately? Needs explaining

In order to answer the last question, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has dedicated a separate page on their web site. Following are few reasons for the delay as they explain which seems to be prudent as well as tangible. The information is further supported by evidence from other such sources as well as the WHO.

1. The experts were hoping the virus to be similar in its characteristics when it comes to producing the vaccine and they prematurely indicated that adequate supply of vaccines will be available by August 2009.

2. In order to develop the vaccine, adequate number of viruses should be grown in a culture medium and thereafter should be subjected for potency tests to access its effectiveness.

3. The virus was found to be growing in chicken eggs and at the moment this culture medium is being used as it's widely available as well as cheap.

4. Even though the scientists expected the viruses to grow in a similar pace to previous influenza viruses, the H1N1 seems to be growing only at 1/4 to 1/3rd speed of other seasonal strains.

5. Thus, the time in growing adequate numbers to prepare vaccines was delayed.

6. Once grown, the viruses were checked for potency and it was found that large number of viruses would be required in order for the vaccine to be potent. Thus the manufacturers were pushed to their limits in order to arrive at the necessary number of grown viruses.

7. Thus, according to the WHO, the total vaccine output would be around 3 billion per 12 months if all available resources are used in producing the H1N1 pandemic virus vaccine and invariably would fall behind the total requirement of the world need.

At the moment, the health authorities would prioritize the vaccine shipments as well as the persons who receive the vaccine first. Thus, pregnant mothers, infants with chronic medical conditions would get priority followed by the working population between 15 - 65 years of age.

In summary, the problems with the distribution of H1N1 vaccine would be contributed mainly by its production limitations and how the available vaccines should be given priority.

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