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Rovny: Slovakia's Vaccine Against Swine Flu Effective and Safe
Tuesday 15 December 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, December 15 (TASR) - The vaccine against the pandemic A(H1N1) flu purchased by Slovakia is effective and safe, Chief Public Hygienist Ivan Rovny said at a briefing organised by the Public Health Office (UVZ) on Tuesday.
Rovny has inoculated himself with the vaccine as the first Slovak ever, saying he sees no reason not to trust the vaccine already used by 95-98 million Americans as well as people from six EU countries.
He also spoke about the actual situation regarding the flu in Slovakia. "There were 860 registered cases of the new flu by December 14, with Bratislava region being the most affected (396 cases)," said Rovny, adding that the flu is most prevalent among people in the 15-45 age group. "The number of ill schoolchildren is on the rise as well," he cautioned.
Rovny also added that there have been 17 flu-related fatalities so far, however, A(H1N1) virus was the primary cause of death only in three cases.
The height of the flu season is expected to come in January-February. Until then, according to Rovny, there is still time for an inoculation programme. All instructions will be available at the internet website of UVZ, and the public should be encouraged to receive vaccinations not only by doctors but also via the local radio stations in villages.
Head of Epidemiology Department Jan Mikas said that Slovakia has received the first 30,000 doses of the inoculation agent, with another 20,000 to arrive by the end of the year and another 500,000 in January.
People in high-risk group will be offered the vaccines first. "The Government has selected the high-risk groups that include medical personnel, pregnant women, chronically-ill patients, children from six months to three years and the people responsible for running state affairs," said Mikas, adding that inoculations will be carried out by general practitioners.
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