China develops safe bird flu vaccine for human use

China has completed its preparations to combat bird flu. Researchers in the country say they have developed a bird flu vaccine for human use, and the vaccine is "safe" and "effective".

Test results show the vaccine worked well in human bodies, with no serious adverse reactions.

Chinese scientists began their research on bird flu vaccine in 2005.

The recently concluded second phase of clinical trial show the vaccine to be both safe and efficacious.

Over 400 people ranging in age from 18 to 60 took the trial test between September and November. Based on their age, they were given different dosages of the vaccine.

Test results show the vaccine worked well in human bodies, with no serious adverse reactions.

Scientist Yin Weidong said, "Clinical tests show the best immunization procedure is injecting 2 vaccines with 10 micrograms each within 28 days. The final procedure will be approved by the State Food and Drug Administration."

Yin Weidong added that China is now capable of mass-producing bird flu vaccines, and is ready to tackle any outbreak of bird flu.

The vaccine is jointly developed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Beijing-based vaccine producer Sinovac Biotech. Its research and development has been supported by both the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health.