The Department of Health (DOH) reassured the public again yesterday that the A (H1N1) vaccines are safe, as a national vaccination program begins today in the wake of an initial round of immunizations targeting specific groups.
Department of Health Deputy Minister Chang Shan-chwen (張上淳) said that between the start of the immunization program on Nov. 1 and last Monday, 2.6 million people had received shots. Of the 242 reported cases of possible side effects, most people complained of dizziness, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath, he said and most recovered within 48 hours.
The 44 more serious cases included miscarriage, sudden death and weak legs.
Chang urged the public not to be alarmed by the figures, adding that even without the immunization program, there would be a certain ratio of miscarriage, sudden death and neuritis, while the department said the ratio was no different than that of seasonal flu vaccination programs in past years.
City hospitals in Taipei and Kaohsiung, as well as the department’s hospitals around Taiwan, will hold a competition, with the hospitals and doctors giving the most shots receiving commendations from the Central Epidemics Prevention Center, officials said.
There will also be temporary immunization stations set up in big department stores, hypermarkets, railway stations and temples, the officials said, adding that to encourage the public to get the shots, agricultural produce, stationery sets and lucky draws will be offered at these stations.
Groups that have received shots include typhoon victims in shelters, high-risk medical personnel, elementary-school students, pre-school children, pregnant women and seriously ill patients.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday urged pregnant women and children aged between six months and one year old to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“The rate for pregnant women is the lowest among all priority groups. While the total of A [H1N1] influenza cases in children aged between six and 12 months is also increasing,” CDC spokesman Chou Jih-haw (周志浩) said.
Of the about 200,000 pregnant women in the nation, only 13,270 have received shots, Chou said.
“Approximately 75 percent of the nation’s elementary school students are now protected,” Chou said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JIMMY CHUANG
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