Updated

Health secretary Kathleen Sebelius says production of a vaccine for swine flu is being set up in case a vaccine program is recommended.

Sebelius says the government is making every effort to be prepared as the swine flu runs its course. She says the good news is that this swine flu seems not to be such a lethal virus.

Still, Sebelius says, the government is working with governors as well as health and schools officials in case a major vaccination program is needed. She says that production of a vaccine could start as early as late summer and be ready by the fall.

Nearly 18,000 cases of swine flu have been reported across the U.S. with 45 confirmed deaths.

Sebelius appeared Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."