DOH to start A(H1N1) vaccination in WV next week
There is now a vaccine for the pandemic A(H1N1) and the country’s health department will start administering free vaccination on priority targets beginning next week.
Dr. Marie Jocelyn Te, regional coordinator for H1N1 in Western Visayas, yesterday told the media that initially the pandemic A(H1N1) vaccine will only be administered on priority targets due to its limited supply.
The Department of Health (DOH) identified the following as priority targets: public and private health workers, pregnant women, children below five years old, persons 60 years old and above, and those with chronic illnesses like HIV, diabetes, asthma, etc.
Dr. Te said the vaccination will be administered voluntary and free of charge in all government hospitals and rural health centers and clinics in the region.
The 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.
A(H1N1) vaccine is safe and effective and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect humans against A(H1N1).
DOH reported that last November 2009, the WHO pledged to provide free supplies of at least nine million doses of the vaccine to the Philippines. This will be coming 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.
Dr. Te said they are looking at vaccinating a total of 3,056,495 persons in the region divided under the following categories: health workers – 45,417; pregnant women – 260,133; children below 5 years old – 89,888; persons 60 years old and above – 1,263,507 and persons with chronic illnesses – 595,550.
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 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.
