New Delhi, July 20(IANS) As swine flu again rears its head in some parts of the country, the second indigenous vaccine against the virus was launched here Tuesday.
The vaccine, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India is the second in a series of four to be manufactured and is in the form of a nasal spray.

“This vaccine was earlier used on people in Russia and the USA and no side effect was noticed. In India, two trials have been successfully condcuted,” said Cyrus Poonawala, chairman of the Serum Institute of India.

The vaccine has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for usage by any individual above 3 years of age, except pregnant women. This is an advantage considering that the vaccine launched by Zydus Cadila last month can only be used by people above 18 years of age.

“It was trialled in two phases. In the first phase, from the age group of 3 to 18 years and in second, from 18 years and above,” Poonawala said.

The vaccine is priced at Rs.158.

A total of 332 swine flu cases have been reported from across the country in the last one week.

Kerala, with 121 cases, has recorded the highest number, closely followed by Maharashtra with 102 swine flu cases.

A total of 22 swine flu related deaths have been reported from across the country so far. The first swine flu death in West Bengal was reported Tuesday.