Saturday November 7, 2009
Expert: We are better prepared for second wave of A(H1N1)
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Malaysia is better prepared to face a second wave of Influenza A(H1N1), according to World Health Organisation consultant Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit.
However, access to vaccines was a major issue, he added.
The Health Ministry, said Dr Lam, knew what to expect in the aftermath of the first wave and preventive measures such as temperature scanners at airports were still up and running.
He added that 400,000 Tamiflu vaccines would also be made available in January.
“The ministry has to determine the high-risk group to receive the vaccine,” Dr Lam said at a press conference after the opening of the Masterskill International Scientific Conference 2009 by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai yesterday.
He added that the group would include frontliners such as healthcare workers and civil servants who can’t afford to be ill.
The diabetics and pregnant women, said Dr Lam, were of vulnerable groups and should also be protected.
However, he added that vaccine access was a big issue as Malaysia lacked the facilities to manufacture the vaccine.
According to Dr Lam, even countries manufacturing the vaccine such as China and Thailand could hardly produce enough vaccines to cover their own population.
To lessen the risk of infection during the second wave, Dr Lam advised Malaysians to cut down on travelling.
“The major concerns are mass gatherings like the upcoming Haj season where at least two million people will gather in Mecca; and festive seasons like Chinese New Year in China,” he said.
Dr Lam added that the congestion during those seasons could lead to the spread of the virus.
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