Gov’t secures flu vaccine
Published: 29 Aug. 2009, 00:05
A quarantine official hands out sterilized tissues and new flu guidebooks to inbound airline passengers yesterday at Incheon International Airport. [YONHAP]
In a press briefing, Health Minister Jeon Jae-hee said the vaccine is “the most effective preventive measure” against the new flu. Jeon explained that the 10 million doses may also be administered twice to 5 million people, depending on the results of the clinical test of the vaccine currently under way.
According to the minister, 7 million doses will be supplied by Green Cross in Korea and the remainder by GlaxoSmithKline, a British pharmaceutical company. Jeon said 110 billion won ($88.2 million) will be allocated to purchase the vaccine, which is expected to be administered between November and February.
According to the Health Ministry, those working in the medical field, expectant mothers, children from six months to 18 years old and those over age 65 will have priority.
Jeon said 257 new flu patients were reported yesterday. On average, 93 patients have emerged daily in August and 1,600 were being quarantined, Jeon added.
She said the ministry was considering raising the four-stage pandemic alert level to “serious” - its highest level. The status would essentially shut down the nation, Jeon said.
But the minister also cautioned against excessive fear over the disease, which she said can be controlled with proper care.
“According to data from the World Health Organization, this new flu might spread faster than ordinary flu, but the mortality rate is about the same,” Jeon said. “Even without the vaccine, personal hygiene and antiviral medicine can stifle the spread of the new flu.”
She insisted that there is plenty of antiviral medicine in the nation.
So far, Korea has secured doses for 5.3 million people and will acquire doses for another 5 million this year. And starting next year, Jeon said Korea will maintain a stock of antiviral drugs for up to 20 percent of the population.
The Health Ministry will also nearly double the size of the workforce at its control center for the new flu to 29. Officials from four cabinet ministries - science, public administration, labor and culture - will be recruited for additional help in coordinating efforts to fight the disease.
By Yoo Jee-ho [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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