Amid widespread public concern over the risks associated with A(H1N1) flu vaccination, local manufacturer Adimmune Corp yesterday placed half-page advertisements on the front pages of all major Chinese-language newspapers.
The ads seek to reassure the public of the safety of Adimmune’s vaccine, saying that the vaccine has passed a series of strict tests conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) and is recommended by international experts, including experts from the WHO.
Kao Sheng-kai (高聖凱), vice president of the company’s sales department, said the company placed the advertisements to clear up any misunderstandings that the public may have about the vaccines.
“We would like [the public] to gain an accurate picture of the safety of the vaccine based on scientific fact rather than relying on rumors or one-sided information,” he said.
“Those who have questions or concerns about the vaccine are welcome to leave messages on our Web site. We will be happy to answer any questions and provide related information,” he said.
On Dec. 12, the government launched a program to vaccinate the entire population against H1N1, also known as swine flu.
However, there have been concerns that some people will decline to be vaccinated after reports of people feeling discomfort after receiving the shot.
Executive Yuan Spokesman Su Jun-pin (蘇俊賓) said yesterday he had confidence in Adimmune’s vaccine and the DOH. He said of the 600 to 700 civil servants at the Executive Yuan, about 200 had already received the shots, including Premier Wu Den-yih (吳敦義). Su said that another 200 people plan to receive the shots.
In related news, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Ying (陳瑩) and three other legislators yesterday visited Minister of Health Yaung Chih-liang (楊志良) to demand that the department allow the public to choose between different brands of H1N1 vaccine.
Yaung agreed with the proposal and said the public would be allowed to choose between the locally produced Adimmune or imported Novartis within two to three days.
Additional reporting by CNA
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