The Estonian government resolved strained negotiations with a swine flu vaccine manufacturer, whose name has not been released publicly, and in two weeks the vaccine will be available.

TALLINN — Estonia’s Ministry of Social Affairs reported two swine flu deaths on Friday, the day after the national government decided to provide free A/H1N1 vaccination for high-risk groups.

One 58-year old man died in a hospital due to pneumonia, a complication from the virus and the other, 69-years old, died at home. A/H1N1 virus was identified by autopsy in both cases. Both men had other chronic illnesses and the ministry is not releasing any other information in order to protect the families of the deceased.

Since the beginning of this week 404 swine flu cases has been verified by the ministry, up from 132 cases identified the previous week. A total of four swine flu deaths have occurred in Estonia, the first being a 13-year old boy.

Free vaccine for high-risk groups

The Estonian government decided Thursday to provide free A/H1N1 vaccination for high-risk groups, which includes pregnant women, young mothers who gave birth within 6 months, infants six to 24-months old, adults from 18 to 64 who are chronically ill or immunodeficiency and health care workers who have direct contact with patients. After protracted negotiations, the Ministry of Social Affairs says the vaccine will arrive on Dec. 14 or 15.

“If no complications in vaccine supplies will occur then it will be delivered as planned and immediately the distribution will begin,“ Jana Rosenfeld, ministry media adviser told Baltic Reports.

The vaccination will cost 17 million to 20 million krooni (€1 million to €1.27 million) for the ministry, depending on how many people decide to to be vaccinated. Vaccination for people falling into risk groups is not mandatory but recommended and is less expensive than an A/H1N1 laboratory analysis, which costs 900 krooni.