CDC: Swine flu shot could be ready by October

Government will need to review safety and effectiveness of the vaccine

Video

Swine flu vaccine may be ready by October
May 29: A vaccine for the H1N1 strain of the flu, more commonly known as swine flu, could be ready as early as October if all tests go smoothly this summer. NBC's Chris Clackum reports.

NBC News Channel

Swine flu outbreak video

2009: The year of the swine flu
Dec. 21: NBC's Tracie Potts takes a look back at the 2009 swine flu outbreak.

Swine flu cases continue to fall

Kids' swine flu shots recalled

Some H1N1 vaccine doses recalled

Avoid flu, don't touch your face

Interactive map

Infections around the world
A country-by-country look at where the swine flu has spread.

msnbc.com

Q&A

Swine flu
Learn about the virus found in pigs and why it is causing concern among health officials.

msnbc.com

updated 12:11 p.m. ET May 29, 2009

ATLANTA - A U.S. health official said a swine flu vaccine could be available as early as October, but only if vaccine production and testing run smoothly this summer.

Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the agency began shipping virus samples to manufacturers in the past several days. The government will have to review the safety and effectiveness of what's produced, and decide if a vaccination campaign is warranted. October is about the time seasonal flu vaccine campaigns generally get rolling.

CDC officials reported more than 8,500 probable and confirmed cases in the U.S., including 12 deaths and more than 500 hospitalizations.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Click for related content

Vaccine maker receives swine flu seed
WHO defends decision not to declare pandemic
U.S. moving closer to swine flu vaccine