Khaw says concern should be over dosage of H1N1 vaccine
By Lin Jiamei, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 November 2009 2024 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has said the H1N1 vaccine will likely be safe for children and youths below 18 years old but for infants under three years old, data is still scarce.

He added that the concern now should be over the dosage rather than the safety of the vaccine, especially for infants.

Mr Khaw said: "We are looking at the data, the preliminary data coming from overseas are very promising. So, I will be very surprised if the regulator should find the vaccine not suitable for those who are young.

"For adults, we have a lot of data. Millions of them have been vaccinated including myself. So, we are very certain (it is safe), looking at the data.

"But for infants - those less than three years old - the data is still very few and that is the reason why we are taking our time."

In Singapore, the vaccine is currently not administered to those below 18 years old.

Mr Khaw was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a community event in Sembawang on Sunday.

He was also asked to comment on the sentence handed out to former CEO of Ren Ci, Ming Yi.

"I think the court has decided, so we leave the justice system to deal with this," said Mr Khaw.

"But as a general point, we are talking about public donation and we must never breach the trust of the public. If you choose to breach people's trust, justice will catch up with you."

- CNA/ir