Wellington, July 2 NZPA - The Government has been advised to stockpile a new swine flu vaccine.

The swine flu or H1N1 influenza virus has triggered a global pandemic.

Drug makers are gearing up to make vaccines against the virus and this week the University of Queensland (UQ) said it had produced Australia's first batch.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said a vaccine would not be available for use for some months.

"The Government has had a recommendation from officials with respect to not having a national vaccination campaign, but having a stock of vaccine that could be used for front line health workers if need be," he told NZPA.

"However, any vaccine will have to wait licence and approval so it could not be used until late in the year."

The World Health Organisation estimates vaccine makers could produce up to 4.9 billion pandemic flu shots a year at most.

More than 70,893 cases in 190 countries have been recorded, along with 311 deaths.