Finally, after a long wait, the vaccine for the H1N1 virus has arrived, much to the relief of health workers and the general public, Health Secretary V K Subburaj told Express on Thursday.

The State Government would shortlist the supplier company on Sunday and, depending on the need, would decide on the number of vials to purchase, he said.

By next week the swine flu vaccine would hit the markets and anybody can buy it. All medical shops will stock the vaccine, Subburaj said. Two shots of the vaccine will have to be taken and each shot is expected to cost around Rs 300.

In March, around 20,000 health workers from Tamil Nadu were administered the vaccine on an experimental basis. The vaccine was, at that time, specially procured from outside the State.

Subburaj said three companies have approached the Government and their vaccines would be tested at the King Institute before finalising one company's product.

During the meeting with the companies to be held on Sunday, the health department will decide on the date by when the swine flu vaccine would be provided to private hospitals, he said.

The Health Secretary insisted that spread of swine flu in the State has been brought under control. Of the 25 persons admitted to various government hospitals in the state, 16 have recovered and have been discharged. Last year, there were 2,400 confirmed cases of the infection and 12 deaths in the state.

All government hospitals should have a quarantine ward, especially for swine flu, as a precautionary measure during rains, Subburaj said. All private doctors would be sent an alert by the health department on diagnosing the flu accurately and in time. He also advised the public to take necessary precautions.