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Health authorities say H1N1 vaccines in Singapore are safe for usage

SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the first batch of 200,000 doses of H1N1 vaccines should be sufficient to meet initial demand.

More than half, or 110,000 doses, have been taken up by general practitioners and clinics.

According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the vaccines are safe to use. Discussions with foreign counterparts indicate that the safety profile of the H1N1 vaccines are similar to those of the seasonal flu.

The benefits of the H1N1 vaccines outweigh the possible side effects, according to HSA. It said this is especially so for certain groups, like those with chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes, as well as pregnant women.

But some recipients are likely to have side-effects from the H1N1 jab. One in 10 patients are expected to experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and muscle aches. And one in five may experience nausea and vomiting.

These side-effects are similar to those from the usual seasonal flu vaccine.

Health officials in Singapore said some side effects may be coincidental and not directly caused by the vaccine.

They added that in the event there is an unusually high number of known side effects, they may issue advisories to alert the public on who are those more at risk. Authorities may then even limit the use of the vaccines.

This is also the time of the year when the common flu vaccines are given to patients as well. But doctors caution against having both the H1N1 and the common flu vaccines at the same time.

Dr Swee Yong Peng, CEO, Parkway Shenton Group, said: "We feel that some people do develop side effects from flu vaccinations or H1N1 vaccinations. So having them together may increase the side effects, so we suggest taking them a week apart."

Doctors are encouraging those in the high risk groups to consider taking both vaccines.

Currently only those above the age of 18 are allowed to take the H1N1 vaccine. However, health officials are waiting for additional information, expected in mid-November, to help them assess the use of the vaccine on children. - CNA/vm

Source: channelnewsasia.com - Health authorities say H1N1 vaccines in Singapore are safe for usage