H1N1 Jabs for All as Cases Begin to Wane Worldwide

DUBAI — Health authorities in Dubai have opened up H1N1 vaccinations for all groups of people as cases wane worldwide, according to an official.

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Thu 18 Feb 2010, 9:09 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:10 PM

Until recently, the UAE was following the World Health Organisation’s vaccination schedule that prioritised high risk groups such as pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and healthcare workers.

But as H1N1 cases have significantly dropped world over, the demand for vaccination has dropped as well, according to Dr Hassan Shurie, Consultant and Head of Technical Services, Medical Fitness Centre.

According to latest local figures, eight deaths have occurred and 5,000 people have been infected by the virus until November 2009, the doctor said during a presentation on “H1N1: Management and the Vaccine: How safe?” that he gave at the Obs-Gyne conference that concluded on Tuesday.

“Getting vaccinated for H1N1 is an individual decision. If anybody wants to be vaccinated in the current scenario, they can visit a primary healthcare centre after a consultation with his general physician,” he told Khaleej Times.

“We have dropped the requirement to vaccinate high risk groups first and then open the vaccination for the general public who do not have any underlying health conditions,” he added.

According to the WHO’s regional office, a number of countries in the region have already experienced a peak in activity during December 2009 and the beginning of January 2010. Cases reported from these countries during the peak season have also been low.

“The second wave is over and there has been no increase in cases. And if this state continues, our department may stop purchasing the vaccine,” hinted Dr Shurie. Meanwhile, vaccination for pregnant women started in the Northern Emirates last week. But there are only a few takers since the vaccine is optional, said a senior ministry official who did not wish to be named.

“I cannot say if the country will or not place more orders for the vaccine. We know the cases are declining,” he added. Last week, Qatar cancelled new orders for the vaccine. The ministry received 90,000 doses of GlaxoSmitheKline’s Pandermrix intramuscular and nasal spray vaccine in December.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com