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SINGAPORE: The 2009 H1N1 vaccine will now be rolled out to children aged from 6 months to less than 10 years.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority are satisfied with the safety profile of the CSL Limited's Panvax H1N1 vaccine, after reviewing the safety of the vaccine for this age group.
The recommendation is that children aged from 3 years to less than 10 years be given two doses of 0.5 ml (15 mcg) of the vaccine - at least four weeks apart.
And children aged from 6 months to less than 3 years should be given two doses of 0.25 ml (7.5 mcg) - at least four weeks apart.
MOH said that an immune response, which is expected to be protective against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, can be generated after two weeks of administering the first dose of vaccine.
A second dose, given at least four weeks later, is needed in children less than 10 years of age to ensure that immunity is sustained.
MOH said a large number of H1N1 cases have occurred in the younger age groups. Twenty per cent of individuals hospitalised for H1N1 illness or its complications were aged below 10 years, while another 20 per cent were between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
Hence, MOH strongly encourages vaccination for children as they are at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications.
Professor Chong Chia Yin, head and senior consultant of the Infectious Disease Service and Department of Paediatric Medicine at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, said that all children who are more susceptible to complications from influenza, or high-risk patients, such as those with chronic lung or cardiac conditions, diabetes, thalassemia, kidney failure, and cancer patients who are off chemotherapy should receive the vaccine.
She said this list, however, is not exhaustive. Children with egg allergies should not receive the vaccination.
MOH's announcement comes two weeks after the death of a two year old boy who tested positive for H1N1.
The National Healthcare Group said over the last two weeks, its Polyclinics have been preparing for a possible surge in demand for vaccinations.
NHG said the decision was made in light of the Health Ministry's approval of vaccinations for youths aged 18 and below.
Appointment slots at NHG polyclinics have been increased from 2,000 to 4,000 a week to accommodate more vaccinations. More nurses have also been recruited to administer the vaccine and manpower at its contact centre has gone up to handle appointment bookings and enquiries.
NHG said its prices for all vaccinations for adults, youth and children range between S$29 and S$58.
- CNA/sc
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