The government is preparing to import swine flu vaccine ahead of a possible further outbreak this fall, officials said Monday, turning a deaf ear to criticism this would help deplete globally scarce resources.

Amid the full-fledged flu epidemic this summer, Prime Minister Taro Aso is poised to give the green light to the planned imports and tell ministers Tuesday to secure a sufficient stockpile, the officials said.

"We need to take necessary steps to ensure public health," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura told a news conference, adding the government plans to reinforce steps to prevent a further spread of the new H1N1 virus ahead of the school term starting in September.