The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is responsible for testing and evaluating vaccines. Currently, NIAID is conducting clinical trials for a vaccine to protect against the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus.

Essentially the trials will determine 3 things:

1. Are 1 or 2 injections required to confer protection from the H1N1 virus?
2. What strength of the virus should be administered in each injection (15 micrograms or 30 micrograms)?
3. Can the H1N1 vaccination be co-administered with the seasonal flu vaccine?

Once early information from these trials indicate that the vaccine is safe, similar testing is done on healthy children aged 6 months to 17 years.

It is not clear when the vaccination will be available but hopefully it will be sometime in October. At that point, the vaccine will be administered to those at high risk for contracting serious complications from the flu and then the vaccination will be open to others.

If the vaccine cannot be administered together with the traditional seasonal flu vaccine, it is still important to receive both. In addition, if you have a pre-existing chronic illness (like asthma, diabetes, coronary heart disease) be sure to speak to your provider about getting the pneumonia vaccine. Keep in mind that most deaths that occur from influenza are a result of developing secondary pneumonia.

Results are expected shortly. For more information about these trials check out ClinicalTrials.