Scientists from Oxford University say that they have reached a “eureka moment” in their influenza vaccine research.

After trialling two medications on 949 children for five weeks last year, the experts discovered that the drug Pandemrx was very effective as a defence against swine flu in children. The second drug that was tested, Celvapan, was also deemed to be “good protection” against the virus. Only a very small number of children experienced side effects and these were said to be minor.

The breakthrough means that the NHS will have two proven drugs in their arsenal in any future war against swine flu among the younger generations. Very little was previously known about the side-effects caused by and the efficiency of these medications.

The revelation could also mean that the drugs will be distributed widely in schools across the UK, should swine flu flare up and rear its head once again.

The findings are given particular importance by childrens’ vulnerabilities to swine flu. Alongside pregnant mothers, elderly people, and people who are suffering from pre-existing conditions, young children are deemed to be among those who are the most vulnerable to influenza.

Low threat: for now

At present the threat of the H1NA virus is deemed to be relatively low in the UK. The previous government began to wind down their swine flu response earlier this year. Nonetheless experts believe the public should stay vigilant; the World Health Organisation has warned that the virus is still spreading in certain regions of the world. A review into the British government’s response to swine flu recently concluded that the £1.2 billion spent on the virus was money well spent.