Sunday, July 19, 2009

Swine flu vaccine is safe says Health Secretary Andy Burnham


Health Secretary Andy Burnham has insisted he will never take any risks over the safety of swine flu jabs.

The Minister dismissed scientists' claims that the Government could rush out the vaccines before the results of their clinical trials were known.

Some medical experts warn side effects from vaccines, which have not been fully tested, could claim more lives than swine flu itself.

But Mr Burnham told the Sunday Mirror: "We take advice at all times to make sure the vaccines are safe. We're not taking any risks.

"If it was a more aggressive virus there would have to be a decision about introducing the vaccine more quickly. But this virus is mild in the vast majority of cases."

His comment were echoed by Professor Sir Gordon Duff, co-chairman of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. Professor Duff said the benefits of the jabs "far outweigh the risks".

He added: "These core vaccines have been tested on 5,000 to 6,000 people already, with no serious adverse effects.

Officials report another swine flu-related death

he Southern Nevada Health District says a 47-year-old man with underlying medical conditions died Friday morning in Clark County. The health district did not release any additional information.

The death appears to be the fourth in Nevada related to swine flu.

Earlier this month health officials reported the swine flu-related death of a 51-year-old man.

In late June, a 33-year-old Clark County man infected with the swine flu virus died. Also last month, health officials reported the death a 70-year-old woman, a New York state resident, who was infected with swine flu.

Clark County has 145 confirmed cases of the virus. Three of those are hospitalized with severe illness.