The World Health Organization met Tuesday in an effort to boost the number of vaccines in stock to combat the spread of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. The outbreak of the virus sparked fear around the world, as nearly 10,000 people have been infected and 79 killed since it was discovered in Mexico.
The virus does not appear to be as severe as initially thought, with the majority of people infected experiencing run-of-the-mill influenza symptoms. However, as with the flu, people with weaker immune systems like pregnant women, diabetics, asthmatics, and the very young and old are thought to be at high risk.
However, that lack of severity is matched with the fact that developing enough vaccines will take longer than initially thought.
Late May was the original start date for vaccine production; however WHO officials have said that difficulty growing the virus in laboratories has added strain on scientists looking to capture a seed stock necessary to develop a vaccine.
As a result, the new target date for production is mid-July, far later than originally thought.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joined WHO leaders and pharmaceutical executives from more than 30 companies in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss the best way to boost vaccine production as the virus continues its global trek.
While at the meeting, the pharmaceutical companies were called on to work with governments to boost production.
"This outbreak spotlights yet again the interconnected nature of our world. Geography does not guarantee immunity," he said at the meeting.
"Partnerships with the private sector are absolutely vital going forward," Ban added. "Solidarity in the face of this particular outbreak must mean that all have access to drugs and vaccines. It means that virus samples and data are shared. It means that self-defeating restrictions on trade and travel are avoided."
Over 193 countries are represented at the conference, working to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
For the United States, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that production of seasonal flu vaccines could be propped up in order to make room for the swine flu vaccine productions if it is determined to be necessary.
"There is still so much uncertainty about this virus that it is really premature for us to even make a determination about how many people would appropriately be vaccinated, in what order, how many doses will be required, at what point. All those discussions are still very much underway," Sebelius said.
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