US-based drug-maker Baxter International Inc. has got nod from European Union regulators for distributing its swine-flu vaccine ‘Celvapan’, amid worries over a second wave of the potentially lethal virus.

The European Medicines Agency has given ‘Celvapan’ a "hopeful opinion", which was obtained by GlaxoSmithKline's rival Pandemrix vaccine during the last month.

The UK has agreements to obtain the vaccine from both companies.

Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson stated that the vaccination programme will begin in the existing month if possible, relying upon makers' capability to deliver the supplies required.

Department of Health Director for Immunisation Prof David Salisbury stated, “We cannot supply every GP in the country simultaneously with a box. There will have to be a rolling distribution. It will all be driven by the flow in of vaccine.”

According to WHO, around 4,525 people have lost their lives due to H1N1 flu since the deadly virus came into existence in April 2009.

The majority of fatalities took place in the Americas region, where 3,292 casualties have been reported. Around 890 people died of swine flu in the Asia-Pacific region, whereas 193 fatal cases have been registered in Europe.