AH1N1 vaccine to be available in Cebu in 2010

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health-7 has confirmed that the vaccine to improve immunity against the Influenza A (H1N1) virus will be available in Cebu in the early quarter of 2010.

Gerry Gerson, assistant regional director of DOH-7 said that there is an apparent need to have the vaccine before “we are left out of supply.”

DOH-7 cold manager Leandro Omo added that the DOH has already sent Engr. Luzviminda Garcia, national cold manager to Singapore to check the “potency of the vaccine,” to ensure its effectivity.

Omo said that the vaccine shall be given to those who have direct contact with people who have the virus.

Those in the high risk group have been identified as health workers, doctors, and nurses and those over the age of 15 with chronic illness or risk factor (asthmatics and the obese), pregnant women and diabetics.Once the vaccine arrives, it will be distributed to public hospitals where guidelines in the administration of vaccination are to be set by hospital doctors and administrators.

The vaccine is pegged at P2, 000 per dosage. However, it is free of charge in public hospitals.

Last June 24, DOH has recorded the highest number of A (H1N1) cases in a single day with 131 new cases confirmed, raising the total confirmed cases to 604.

In a press release, Senator Manny Villar urged DOH to purchase Oseltamiver, commercially named as Tamiflu, an antiviral drug taken orally in capsules or as a suspension that slows the spread of influenza (flu) virus. — Marjun A. Baguio (THE FREEMAN)