DOH to start A(H1N1) vaccinations next week in WVisayas

Finally, a vaccine is available for the pandemic A(H1N1) virus, and health authorities will start vaccinations on priority targets starting next week. A report on Visayas-based The News Today said they will have to prioritize the vaccination due to limited supply. Dr. Marie Jocelyn Te, regional coordinator for A(H1N1) in Western Visayas, said priority targets include public and private health workers. Other priority targets are pregnant women, children below five years old, persons 60 years old and above, and those with chronic illnesses like HIV, diabetes, and asthma. Te said the vaccination will be administered voluntarily and free of charge in all government hospitals and rural health centers and clinics in the region. A(H1N1) vaccination is the government’s response to reduce the impact of the pandemic which is a virus caused by the re-assortment of four viruses from pigs, humans and birds. The vaccine is safe and effective and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect humans against A(H1N1). In November 2009, the World Health Organization pledged to provide free supplies of at least nine million doses of the vaccine to the Philippines. This will come from actual vaccine donation from countries that are willing to share their supplies to developing countries and this will cover about 10% of the population and would be given first priority to health workers and to other priority groups who would be at most risk for severe outcomes of A(H1N1) infection. Te said they are looking at vaccinating a total of 3,056,495 people in the region including 45,417 health workers; 260,133 pregnant women; 89,888 children below 5 years old; 1,263,507 people 60 years old and above; and 595,550 people with chronic illnesses. Meanwhile, Center for Health Development 6 regional director Dr. Ariel Valencia called on the public to stay informed about the A(H1N1) illness and prepare themselves. Valencia reiterated that to prevent the spread of the A(H1N1) virus, proper cough and sneeze manners should be observed at all times by covering mouth and nose, stay at home when one is ill, wash hands thoroughly and regularly, and always keep some distance from healthy people. — LBG, GMANews.TV