Vietnam start human bird flu vaccine trials

Clinical trials for Bird flu have started in Vietnam, where 52 people have died from the H5N1 virus.

The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology has given the second dose of the trial vaccine to 11 volunteers. Researchers are using the strain of H5N1 which was taken from humans in 2004.

Dr Nguyen Tuyet Nga, a virologist heading the clinical trial, told Reuter's: "I think this is complicated but very important work and we have some support from outside experts."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Vietnam said it was not directly involved with the countries development of a human vaccine, but was satisfied that the authorities did have rigorous quality control guidelines.

Vietnam has been given 20 million doses of bird flu vaccines by The World Organisation for Animal Health, in addition to the 60 million doses the country has ordered to vaccinate poultry across the country.

Figures from the WHO say that bird flu has killed 238 people around the world since 2003.