Q: How long would it take for the H1N1 vaccine to be available in India?

A:India is in the process of importing some H1N1 vaccine. In addition several donations have been given to the WHO for use in the developing world. However the current production is all in the west and is not sufficient to meet the predicted requirement in Europe and the Americas.

WHO has given seed money to several groups with vaccine manufacturing capacity, including one in India. Serum Institute of India is quite advanced in their plans, and manufacturing capacity is being augmented at Kasauli and elsewhere.

India is projected to have indigenous supplies available in March 2010.