GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS GETTING SEASONAL FLU VACCINE WITH AH1N1 PROTECTION

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The health ministry is considering
switching to a seasonal flu vaccine which will include Influenza A H1N1 vaccine
by February or March to offer full protection for all types of influenza-like
illness.

Minister, Liow Tiong Lai said the vaccine was still being developed and
expected to be available by the first quarter of next year.

"By next year, the seasonal flu vaccine would have contain A (H1N1) vaccine,
(and) if I go for a seasonal flu jab, I will get the protection of H1N1
influenza virus, too," he told reporters after launching the nationwide
anti-Aedes campaign here Saturday.

On the A (H1N1) vaccine, Liow said his ministry would receive all 400,000
doses it had ordered by early January.

"The first 100,000 doses are already here, there are more coming in from
time to time. We will vaccinate the high-risk group and by early January, we
should be able to get the rest," he added.

Liow said 200,000 doses would be set aside for frontline health workers
while the rest would be given to two high-risk groups, namely pregnant women and
those aged between 18 and 60, who have chronic diseases.

He urged the public to continue precautionary measures although the local
situation had improved, due to the second global wave of influenza A(H1N1),
adding that the United States was already put on high alert.

Asked whether the public could obtain the A (H1N1) vaccine at any clinic or
hospital, Liow said private clinics could obtain them with the help of the
ministry.
-- BERNAMA