Health Dept. Testing Swine Flu Vaccine, To Make Recommendation

Officials at the Allegheny County Health Department and the CDC are working fast to get enough vaccine for the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, ready for a worst case scenario.

Health officials said they aren't sure when it will become available in the Pittsburgh area, but clinical trials to test the vaccine’s overall effectiveness and safety are currently underway.

"Our state like every other state in the country is working to develop a vaccine," said Guillermo Cole of the Allegheny County Health Department.

Officials said it’s likely that the H1N1 vaccine won't be ready until late in the fall.

The regular vaccine for seasonal influenza should be available in late September or early October.

The CDC may recommend both flu vaccines. An official recommendation will be made after the CDC makes a decision in the early fall.

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