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Friday, June 4, 2010

Singapore : H1N1 vaccine still useful against flu: MOH

Via Channel News Asia :

" SINGAPORE: The Health Ministry, MOH, says the H1N1 vaccine continues to be a useful protective measure against flu.

It says if the seasonal flu vaccine is not available at clinics here, the public may consider getting the H1N1 vaccine as an alternative.

MOH says there're sufficient doses of H1N1 vaccine available for those who wish to be vaccinated.

The vaccine is recommended especially for those who have risk factors such as asthma, diabetes, gross obesity, low immunity or those who are pregnant, which put them at higher risk of developing complications.

MOH says there has been an increase in flu activity in the community in recent weeks.

This is a trend usually observed in January-February and May-June in Singapore every year.

Its surveillance shows that influenza A (H1N1-2009) is currently still the main circulating flu strain.

Last week, it accounted for half of the flu cases.

Influenza A (H3N2) and B, accounted for the other half of circulating strains.

The Ministry says H1N1 is also the main influenza virus causing severe disease in children and adults.

Since the pandemic began last year until 29 May 2010, there have been 139 severely ill cases who required intensive care, including 26 who died as a result of H1N1 infection."

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