Swine flu jabs available for all from today

Swine flu jabs available for all from today Md Rasooldeen | Arab News

RIYADH: Swine flu jabs are being made available for citizens and expatriates of all ages in primary health care centers throughout the Kingdom from Saturday, the Ministry of Health has announced. "We have launched this service…since the ministry is keen on making sure as many people as possible are inoculated against the virus, which is expected to affect many more residents during the winter," said ministry spokesperson Khaled Al-Mirghalani on Friday. He warned that the third wave of the virus would be more severe. He also urged parents to ensure their children receive the jab. "We are not forcing parents to give their children the vaccine, but strongly advise them to do so as a preventive measure." Around 15,500 cases of swine flu, which has claimed 124 lives, have been reported in the Kingdom since last May. Al-Mirghalani said that the vaccination program would last for five weeks. Health officials will also visit national and international schools to vaccinate children whose parents have given their consent. Around 60,000 students have received the H1N1 jab, according to figures from the Ministry of Education. That is less than one percent of the Kingdom's population, which is around 27 million. Al-Mirghalani said the campaign initially focused on kindergarten and primary school students and their teachers, as well as children with special needs. "We began the program among international school students last week," he added. Al-Mirghalani indicated that the vaccine's possible side effects are no different than those of other injections typically administered during childhood. Al-Mirghalani claimed parents who are yet to give consent for their children to receive the shot are getting panicky for no reason. "The vaccine is just like another seasonal flu dose," he said. Possible side effects include a dull pain, redness or swelling at the place where the injection is administered, headaches or muscle pain, a high temperature and nausea. The vaccination is not recommended for those who are allergic to poultry products. The Saudi Food and Drug Association and the World Health Organization are among the organizations that have said the vaccination is safe for people of all age groups. The Ministry of Health last week conducted a special workshop for health officials who are dealing with parents, teachers and students as part of the program's implementation. It also launched an awareness campaign called "Tamoni" (Vaccinate Me) that is engaging with parents and children about the safety of the vaccine. Al-Mirghalani said the campaign would include a variety of activities and events that would be publicized through the print and electronic media. He added that the ministry's call center would be open to the public for queries on the vaccine and ways to prevent the disease. For more information call 8002494444.