BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THOSE over the age of six months in the Sultanate with chronic illnesses can now get an Influenza A (H1N1) vaccination shot at government health centres and hospitals from all the country's four districts.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Health yesterday, the vaccines are now available at vaccination centres of selective hospitals and health centres such as the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) Hospital and Ong Sum Ping Health Centre during office hours.

In addition to protecting people from infection, the vaccine will also help to minimising the circulation of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in thecountry and also protect it against future waves of the virus.

The Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccine is however ineffective against seasonal influenza.

It was also stated that while clinical trials have shown that the vaccine is safe, medical advice should still be sought if there is any developments of side-effects, particularly those not stated by health professionals.

Known side-effects of the vaccine includes headache, sweating, fever, muscle and joint aches, fatigue and shivering. Local reactions on the injected site include redness, pain and swelling.

The Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman yesterday morning, made a visit to the Ong Sum Ping Health Centre's Vaccination Centre in the capital. Apart from getting a personal view on how the vaccines were delivered, stored and administered, the minister was also given a shot of the vaccine.

According to Director of Health Services Dr Hjh Maslina Hj Mohsin, there are currently approximately 50,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine in Brunei.

Another 50,000 doses is expected to arrive in the country by the end of the year.

Those interested in getting more information regarding the influenza and the vaccine can do so by calling the numbers 145 during working hours and 7180991 during non-working hours.

The Brunei Times