Around 3.8 million swine flu vaccines will be donated to third world countries to help fight the virus during the impending rainy season.

The UK government said it has reached a deal with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) over its surplus swine flu doses and says that despite widespread cynicism it still “represents good value for the taxpayer”.

According to the Department of Health the agreement with GSK will save around a third of the original cost of the vaccine order from the pharmaceutical giant.

The UK had originally ordered around 60 million doses, enough to vaccinate the entire population, but the agreement with GSK reduces the volume to 34.8 million – stock that had already been manufactured – and comes following a drop in the number of cases reported. GSK confirmed no cancellation fee would be charged.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: “This deal means the UK will save approximately one third of the original value of the orders with GSK.  I am pleased we have reached an agreement that is good value for the taxpayer and means that the Department has retained a strategic stockpile to protect the UK population without incurring a cancellation fee.

“This both protects the public purse and ensures the UK remains at the forefront of pandemic preparedness worldwide.”

The pandemic has so far claimed the lives of more than 17,000 people and affected people in 213 countries. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the virus remains active, if in relatively low numbers, across the world.

Mr Burnham said that pregnant women and other priority groups will still be immunised against Swine Flu in case it returns, but that the government will be donating 3.8 million doses to WHO for distribution to third world countries ahead of the rainy season.

GSK said it has been working with governments across the world to respond to their pandemic needs – and even more so with regards to dealing with their evolving needs.

Together with its latest deal with the UK, GSK said it had also reached an agreement with the Japanese government to amend its existing contract and Japan will now receive approximately 68% of its original order.

Moving his attention to the seemingly forgotten bird flu outbreak Mr Burnham added: “The probability of a “bird flu” pandemic, which is likely to be more severe than swine flu, has not diminished. This agreement means we are ready if a “bird flu” pandemic occurred, and allows us to maintain our status as one of the most prepared countries in the world.”