Beat the statistics. Get H1N1 jab!

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Beat the statistics. Get H1N1 jab!

Rasidah HAB Jan 31st, 2010

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A child receives her H1N1 jab at a vaccination drive organised by the Ministry of Health at the National Indoor Stadium. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal


THE Ministry of Health is urging people to be vaccinated against Influenza A (H1N1) following at least 19 new cases being reported in Brunei in the first three weeks of this month.

?Brunei is seeing an increase in the number of H1N1 cases on a weekly basis, even though the number is not as high as before,? Health Services Director Dr Hjh Maslina Hj Mohsin said yesterday.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Dr Hjh Maslina said, ?The number of Influenza A H1N1 cases increased from 15 in the first week to 27 cases in second and 34 cases in the third week of January.?

The total number of H1N1 cases for January will be available tomorrow, she said, adding that the number is expected to be even higher.

Dr Hjh Maslina said the increase in the number of cases provides more reason why people should be vaccinated. ?We want the public to be vaccinated as soon as possible,? she said.

Previous reports have indicated that many people, including Bruneians, are refusing to take the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine injection on account of the pandemic having been categorised as ?mild?.

Dr Hjh Maslina said fear of the side effects can also be a factor as well as doubts on the (origin) of the vaccines. ?The vaccines are derived from chicken eggs, and not from pigs. Hopefully with this reassurance, more people will come and be vaccinated,? she added.

Dr Hjh Maslina urged people to change their perception of the virus, especially those who think they are not at risk being infected because they are in Brunei.

?I have heard people say that they were not at risk of infection as it only affected frequent travellers (abroad). This is not true. Influenza A H1N1 is also happening in Brunei, but this is the current mentality,? she said.

?They still don?t see it as an urgent matter,? she said adding that ?the vaccines are already here, influenza A H1N1 is a preventable disease and (the vaccines) are provided free of charge?.

Commenting on Ministry of Health?s continuous efforts in increasing public awareness on the importance of being vaccinated, Dr Hjh Maslina said the ministry has announced the relevant information in various media to reach out to the public.

?We also write letters to ministries and departments as well as to (organisations in) the private sector inviting them to get the vaccine injections,? she said.

Regarding the makeshift vaccination centre set up on the first floor of the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas, Dr Hjh Maslina said, ?This is not a clinic, but we make sure that it is equipped with all the necessary facilities. We also have other plans, but we will announce them when we are ready?.

Residents in remote areas are not exempted from the mass vaccination. The director of health services said the logistics to deliver the vaccines to residents in remote areas were underway.

?We have started the logistics with our Flying Medical Services to remote areas. The Flying Medical Services visit the villages once a month, InsyaAllah, the vaccinations will begin in February or March,? she said.

The Flying Medical Service provides monthly service to four villages, namely Kg Sukang and Kg Melilas in Belait District and Kg Mapol and Kg Supon Besar in Tutong District.

The National Stadium makeshift centre operates during office hours with a doctor and 13 nurses assigned to administer the injections.

According to Dr Hjh Maslina, after being vaccinated the recipients were required to rest for 15 minutes at the centre?s observation area to make sure that they do not experience any serious reactions to the vaccine.

She also reassured the public not to be worried about any side effects of the vaccination shots as they were just ?mild?.

?It is important to note that this observation procedure also applies to other types of vaccinations, ? she said, adding that an ambulance and a team of paramedics were on standby at all times.

The vaccine will immunise a person against H1N1 for at least one year.
?We might have to revaccinate if Influenza A H1N1 is still a threat one year from now,? Dr Hjh Maslina said, adding that arrangements will be made if the need arises, but the concern now is to ensure people are vaccinated.

She said that the immediate aim was for the centre to vaccinate 500 people per day, with that number rising to 1,000 people a day in the near future.

Jubli Perak Health Centre centre in Sengkurong, the Vaccination Centre at the Ong Sum Ping Health Centre in the capital, and the Berakas ?A? Health Centre in Anggerek Desa can each vaccinate up to 200 people per day, she said.

The ministry has set up several vaccination centres nationwide, including at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) Hospital, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong, Suri Seri Begawan Hospital and Sungai Liang Health Centre in Belait and Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Hospital in Temburong.

As of Wednesday, an estimated 10,000 people have been vaccinated in all four districts.The Brunei Times

http://news.brunei.fm/2010/01/31/beat-the-statistics-get-h1n1-jab/

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Ministry Of Health Receives Praises For H1N1 Campaign

Written by Rasidah H A B Monday, 01 February 2010 07:02

Bandar Seri Begawan - The public has lauded the Ministry of Health's drive to have residents in Brunei vaccinated against influenza A (HMI).

Despite some still having reservations on whether to get the Influenza A (HIND vaccine injections or not, those who had the shot have expressed their gratitude for the easy access of the vaccine in Brunei and urged others to follow suit. "It is important to be vaccinated, especially if you are a frequent traveller or have daily interactions with customers," said Yanti, a staff at a local sport merchandise store in Gadong.

"Information given by the Ministry of Health is more than enough to stress the seriousness of Influenza A (HINI)," she said. Devi, who is a friend of Yantis, said: "Bruneians should be more concerned and they should take the advantage given by the government to provide the vaccine for its people." Both Yanti and Devi are Indonesia nationals and green IC holders.

"In other countries, we have to pay for the vaccine. But in Brunei, even green IC holders can get vaccinated," Devi said, adding that this enables foreign workers who could not afford to pay for injections to be vaccinated. However, she added, "even if we have to pay, I will still pay.

By getting the vaccine, it will help me do my work better and give me some peace of mind knowing that I'm not at risk."

A 52-year-old insurance manager who wanted to be known simply as Joseph said that he was a frequent traveler to Malaysia and Singapore, and is taking the HMI jab for protection. He related that his personal experience led him to take the precaution because his son was suspected to be infected with the virus. "In fact, I am actually looking forward to take the vaccine injection," he said.

He also commended the Ministry of Health's effort to make the public aware of the situation and facilitate the administration of the vaccines. The ministry on Saturday began giving HIM shots to the government and private sectors, as well as the public at the makeshift centre on the first floor of the National Indoor Stadium.

The centre comprises two vaccination rooms (for male and female), counselling and observation areas and facilities for the administration of the vaccines. Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, who was there to inspect the facility on Saturday told The Brunei Times that the ministry is improving their laboratories and monitoring capacky in line with the World Health Organisation's regulations for preventing coinmunicable diseases.

"We are complying with the international health regulations, and collaborating with other countries. This is a global threat," Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi said. The minister urged the public not to procrastinate in getting their vaccinations.

"The vaccines are safe for majority of people, unless you have severe allergies to egg (which is the main source of the vaccine), then it is important to highlight it to the vaccinators, " he said, adding that there is enough vaccinesfor everyone at the moment, and the ministry will make arrangements to get more vaccines, if the need arises.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

http://email.brudirect.com/index.php/2010013115040/Local-News/ministry-of-health-receives-praises-for-h1n1-campaign.html

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Protect your business from H1N1

Melvin Jong Feb 3rd, 2010
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Getting the H1N1 vaccination at Ripas hospital. Picture: BT file

DEVELOPMENT of a contingency plan, as well as vaccination of entire companies or corporations against Influenza A (H1N1) can help to prevent not only loss of time due to injury but also a drop in productivity.

According to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), businesses should formulate such a plan to ensure continued operations during a pandemic.

They said that the plan should be constantly updated, tested and reviewed with new information. A solution on how to run the business if many employees are forced to take leave should also be prepared. Apec added that businesses should also plan for changes in demand for the products and services provided, as well as to put some extra money aside for emergency purposes. ?Think about how you will communicate with employees, suppliers and other business partners before, during and after a pandemic,? they said.

Meanwhile, in light of the current increase of Influenza A (H1N1) infections in the Sultanate, Health Services Director Dr Hjh Maslina Hj Mohsin, yesterday, urged employers to encourage their staff and employees for vaccination against the pandemic.

She said that while all vaccination centres set up in Brunei have the capabilities and equipment to carry out vaccinations, it might be more appropriate for entire companies to do so at the makeshift vaccination centre set up on the first floor of the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex, Berakas, due to it being able to cope with a larger capacity.

?At the moment the stadium vaccination centre can cater to more than 1,000 people,? she said, adding that all one would need to obtain such a vaccination is to present a valid identity card as proof of their residence in the country. Dr Hjh Maslina also touched on how it might be more sensible for some corporations to bring in a few of their employees at a time, instead of an entire office, for fear that the side affects of the vaccine could affect workflow.

Known side effects of the vaccine include headaches, sweating, fever, muscle and joint aches, fatigue and shivering. ?Apart from sending (employees) for vaccination, it is also important for everyone to maintain a good personal hygiene,? said the director. Considered as the first line of defence against infection of Influenza A (H1N1), good personal hygiene can be easily achieved by frequent yet thorough handwashing habits as well as covering of one?s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Similarly it is a good idea to stay home or to keep a distance from others when ill and vice-versa.

The public is also advised to avoid the touching of one?s eyes, nose and mouth because the influenza virus can spread through such contaminated surfaces. Good health habits such as refraining from smoking, getting sufficient sleep and having regular exercise should be practised. Stress management as well as a healthy diet in addition to consumption of plenty of water should be followed.

When asked what were some of the risk of having a staff infected with the virus, Dr Hjh Maslina said that this could lead to further infection of fellow colleagues, or even worse their customers.

The Brunei Times

http://news.brunei.fm/2010/02/03/protect-your-business-from-h1n1/

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H1N1 shots available on public holidays

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, February 5, 2010

THE Vaccination Centre for Influenza A (H1N1) shots at the Berakas Indoor Stadium will be operating over the public holidays throughout February starting today.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health yesterday, the opening hours for Fridays, Sundays and public holidays starts from 2pm to 8pm. Meanwhile, normal working hours still apply for those getting vaccinated during the weekdays. The ministry is urging the public to get vaccinated against H1N1 following the increasing number of cases reported recently. The Brunei Times

http://www.bt.com.bn/en/news-national/2010/02/05/h1n1-shots-available-public-holidays

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Influenza A H1N1 Vaccination in Temburong District

2010-02-11 22:05:00

Preventive measures against the Influenza A H1N1 virus continues throughout the country. Residents and people in Temburong District also took the initiative to vaccinate themselves for protection against the A H1N1 infection.

The A H1N1 vaccination in Temburong District began in December last year and is being increased.

Residents in Temburong can get the vaccines at the Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Hospital in Bangar Town, on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 8.30 in the morning until 12 noon, and from 2 to 3.30 in the afternoon.

http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/?c=newsDetail&news_id=5503

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A H1N1 Media Briefing

2010-02-11 22:05:00


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More than 30,000 people have been vaccinated against the Influence A H1N1 since vaccination was first implemented in late November last year venues provided across the country. In a media briefing this afternoon, the Ministry of Health explained that the A H1N1 vaccine is an additional measure for special protection against the Influenza A H1N1 infection.

According to the Director-General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hajah Rahmah binti Haji Md Said, the A H1N1 vaccination, just like the other vaccinations, was given so that the immunity system inside the body would give reaction and produce special antibody to protect against infection if they are exposed to the Influenza A H1N1 virus. In this way, she said, the spread of the A H1N1 virus can be prevented.

The Ministry of Health has continuously suggested the public to get the A H1N1 vaccination as soon as possible at the Vaccination Centres in the four districts. The is to support the national effort to protect all citizens and people in the country from any A H1N1 infection.

http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/?c=newsDetail&news_id=5502

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A (H1N1) Vaccinations Suspended, Public Angered

Written by Farah Ahmadnawi Sunday, 14 February 2010 06:11

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination Programme has been temporarily suspended as of yesterday, the Ministry of Health said in a statement, to ensure that the new batch of vaccine meets quality and safety standards.

The ministry also assures for members of the public who have been vaccinated prior to the suspension that the previous batches of vaccine given are safe. The public will be informed once the vaccination programme is resumed.

The sudden suspension of the A (H1N1) Vaccination Program yesterday was met with public furore as people found the doors shut at the Indoor Stadium.

Dyg Maimunah, one of the irate public servants who contacted the Borneo Bulletin Hotline in the afternoon, said, "I took a half-day to go for the H1N1 vaccination yesterday but when I arrived at the Indoor Stadium, it was closed."

"I then proceeded to the Ong Sum Ping Clinic but they said the vaccine is 'out of stock'. Thinking that there may be some vaccine left in Sengkurong health clinic, I drove there to ask for it but 'there isn't any left'. "

"What has happened? I thought the Ministry of Health has reassured us that there is enough vaccination for the nation. But now it's out of stock?"

She added, "Why didn't the ministry inform the public via radio? I also tried to contact the H1N1 hotline but no one picked up the phone," she ranted.
Another telephone caller also shared the same sentiment, "At first the ministry promotes awareness of getting the vaccination and now it does ran out of stock?

"Yesterday's Friday sermon called for Muslims to take the vaccination but I can't find any today. There must have been some confusion within the ministry," he offered.

For inquiries on the Influenza A (H1N1), call Healthline 145, (working hours) or 7180991.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

http://brudirect.com/index.php/2010021315867/Second-Stories/a-h1n1-vaccinations-suspended-public-angered.html

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H1N1 vaccines: Every batch has to pass all tests

Syed Rory Malai Hassan Feb 21st, 2010

BELAIT

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) is waiting for the test results of H1N1 vaccines from its supplier in Brussels to make sure the latest batch meets the required international standards.

?We will be hearing from the supplier in Brussels within this week,? Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman said yesterday.

Once the test results are in, the suspended H1N1 vaccination programme may likely resume by the end of the month, the health minister said.

He added that the testing would be conducted regularly.

?This will happen with every new batch that is brought in,? said Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi during the launching ceremony of the Sg Liang Medical Clinic yesterday.

The vaccination programme was suspended ?to ensure that a new batch of vaccines from a different supplier passes all quality and safety requirements prescribed by the World Health Organisation?, said the ministry?s press statement on February 13, the day the campaign was temporarily shelved.

When asked about the possibility of opening more vaccination centres, the minister said there were no plans as the ministry was keen on ensuring hygiene at the centres.

Likewise, this will mean spreading out the ministry?s manpower which could result in fewer number of people serving each centres.

?If there are too many centres running, then our people will have to be stationed everywhere and we are simply not equipped to do so,? he added.

The current number of centres throughout the country, totalling nine altogether, is more than adequate for the time being, said the minister.

The Berakas Indoor Stadium was the biggest makeshift vaccination centre established while the other centres were located at Sengkurong Jubli Perak Health Centre, the Ong Sum Ping Health Centre, Berakas ?A? Health Centre in Anggerek Desa, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) Hospital, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong, Suri Seri Begawan Hospital and Sungai Liang Health Centre in Belait, and Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Hospital in Temburong.

In response to rumours circulating across the country regarding the quality of the vaccines and the adverse side effects that come with it, the minister stressed that those rumours were simply baseless and unfounded.

The public need not fear as most side effects such as fever or flu was quite common after the inoculation.

?If any of these rumours were true then I would be worried myself since I was also one of the first few people to get inoculated,? said the minister.

The minister said this was another reason why stringent tests were carried out on every batch of vaccine to be brought in, pointing out that these tests would help to ensure the level of superiority for every batch.

?If they were less than perfect, then we would definitely not even contemplate about bringing it in since it is our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our public,? added the minister.

The Brunei Times

http://news.brunei.fm/2010/02/21/h1n1-vaccines-every-batch-has-to-pass-all-tests/

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Quick resumption of H1N1 vaccination programme needed

Thursday, February 25, 2010

NOW that the World Health Organisation has ascertained that the global swine flu pandemic is not yet over as infections are still rising in some regions in the world such as western Africa, the vaccination programme, which had been suspended by the Ministry of Health (MoH), should be resumed as soon as possible.

Of course, we appreciate that the reason MoH suspended the programme was to ensure that the new supplier of the vaccines adhered to all the quality and safety requirements prescribed by WHO.

However, to restart the mechanisms involved in the whole exercise may sometimes be so onerous so as to cause delays here and there.

The MoH should ensure that there is no unnecessary delays in getting the required reassurance for the new supplier of the vaccines and proceed with the energy and vigour that it showed during the early stages of the H1N1 pandemic last year.

It is only human that after having become used to the scourge that the health workers involved become blas? about the whole exercise for various reasons but the MoH need to ensure that this does not happen for the sake of the general health of whole nation.

Last month, the rise in H1N1 infections in the country had caused quite a scare among the people.

In fact, it may be a good idea to open more vaccination centres to add to the nine that are in operation throughout the country.

Undeniably, the ministry may be hampered by limitations in manpower to do so, but it has to study ways and means how to overcome this.

Even if Brunei had been spared the brunt of the pandemic, we should not forget that nearly 16,000 people have died worldwide from the A(H1N1) strain after it spread to more than 212 countries since it reared its ugly head in Mexico and the United States in April 2009.

On the part of the public, it is incumbent on them not listen to rumours making its rounds over the quality of the vaccines and its adverse side effects as the ministry has confirmed that fevers or flu are quite common occurrences after an inoculation. And those who had not as yet received the jab should make haste, once the vaccination resumes, and get the protection as soon as they can.

SV
Bandar Seri Begawan

http://www.bt.com.bn/en/letters-editor/2010/02/25/quick-resumption-h1n1-vaccination-programme-needed

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H1N1 vaccine still on ice

Amir Noor
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, March 4, 2010

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday confirmed that the new batch of H1N1 vaccines still had yet to arrive, despite the target arrival deadline being set for the end of February, and that the ministry did not know when the new batch will arrive.

According to the MoH public relations officer, who asked not to be named, the delay was to ensure that the new batch of vaccines meets the quality requirements from their suppliers in Germany and Canada.

"We have done our part in trying to obtain the vaccine, so now we are just waiting for our suppliers to properly test and ensure that this new batch is safe for the public," he said, reiterating the ministry's public explanation made weeks ago.

In the meantime, the officer suggested that the public take extra precautions to keep healthy, as they did before the vaccines were made available.

The delay in the arrival of the new batch has forced the ministry's mass immunisation programme to a halt.

A MoH press statement issued on February 13 announced that the vaccination programme was suspended to ensure that the new batch of vaccines, this batch from a different supplier than previous H1N1 vaccines given to the public, passes all quality and safety requirements imposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Public opinion on the delay of the batch is mixed, and calls into question whether it is even worthwhile being immunised against virus.

Asked about the H1N1 vaccine, university student Lin Ji Liaw, 21, said that she doesn't agree with the H1N1 vaccine as she says there have not been enough scientific trials on the drug and she thought the possibility of side effects were high.

"Not conducting enough studies on this vaccine can really be dangerous, especially since the public have the highest demand," she said. "I prefer to look after my own health. Our body's immune systems are made to fight and the only way for it to adapt is without the help of pharmaceuticals."

If a person knows they are healthy, then H1N1 would not be a big problem, she added.

Mother-of-two Hjh Nurkhadijah Hj Junaidi, 38, said that she does not worry about the H1N1 vaccine anymore, as she says it has only caused a nationwide panic amongst adults when it is more important amongst children.

"Everyone is too worried about their own health that they actually forget who is most vulnerable to these kinds of problems, which are children," she said. "I took both of my children to get the first batch of the H1N1 vaccine and now I can rest assured that my children will be fine."

Asked whether she will take her children for a second jab, she declined, saying that her children should be able to develop the antibodies to counter the virus by now and with uncertainty of its success, she'd rather be safe than sorry.

Freelance photographer Md Fadhli Emran said that he is happy with the MoH's efforts in making sure that the vaccines meet their standards, but at the same time is cautious when it comes to taking it for himself.

"I was just lucky enough to not get the chance to get this new H1N1 vaccine as I was planning to get it the day before the MoH suspended (the immunisation campaign)," said the 26-year-old. "I do trust that the ministry is doing whatever they can to prevent any mishaps or side effects with this new batch, but I don't think the rest of the public would agree with my optimism."

Md Fadhli hopes that the ministry will find a way to guarantee him and the public of the upcoming batch's effectiveness and reliability to end this nationwide dispute.

The MoH declined to mention any estimated time of arrival for the H1N1 vaccines in the Sultanate.The Brunei Times

http://www.bt.com.bn/en/news-national/2010/03/04/h1n1-vaccine-still-ice

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Resumption Of H1N1 Jab Starts From Tomorrow

Written by Rasidah H A B Sunday, 07 March 2010 08:37

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Health (MoH) will resume the mass influenza A (HMI) vaccination programme tomorrow, three weeks after it was suspended.

The ministry yesterday also reported that for the week since March 1 until March 5, 114 H1N1 cases were recorded in the country.

"We regret the suspension of the programme as we needed to ensure that the new batch of Influenza A (HINT) vaccines in the country meet the ministry's quality and safety standards," said Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indere Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman at a press conference yesterday.

"We have now received confirmation from the manufacturer and laboratory reports from Belgium and USA on the safety of the vaccine," he added.

According to the minister, the vaccines have continuously been used in many countries globally. To date, 75 million doses have been administered worldwide and the minister assures that "we are fully satisfied that the vaccine is safe to be used".

Answering questions from the media, the minister said, "We should have enough vaccines and there will be more vaccines coming in".

Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi added: "We managed to get the testing done in two weeks. it could have been earlier, but we want to be sure of the safety of the vaccines. This is our responsibility to the public, that the vaccines are safe and that everyone will be protected."

Since the suspension of the mass vaccination programme on February 13, the Ministry of Health has vaccinated close to 40,000 people. "We don't take this matter lightly. We don't just issue statements saying that its safe. We say it's safe because we know it's safe. Otherwise, we will not be doing our responsibility to the public," said the minister.

Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi also spoke of how the transmission of HIN1 in Brunei has been active since the beginning of the year.

"On March 5, we had 25 new HIM cases. For the week since March 1 until now (March 5), we have had 114 cases. These cases are recorded from all four districts in the country. The figure does not show significant decrease or increase," said the minister.

With recent reports of deaths in Singapore and Malaysia, the minister strongly urges the public to get their vaccination if they have not done so, to protect them from H1N1.

"We will continue advising the public to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from HIM; to not spread it to others, and not be too complacent as it is not yet over," he added.

Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi said that weather conditions have also contributed to the rise in seasonal flu and "as a result, we have more patients coming to us, and from there, we have discovered some of them are infected by H1N1".

The minister added that with the continuation of the mass vaccination programme, vaccinations for students in schools will also continue.

The mass vaccination for schools started on February 8 with Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College as the first school to receive the vaccination for its students.

"We are currently discussing this with the Department of Schools.

They will have to arrange the details of when they want the programme to commence. We (Ministry of Health) are all ready by Monday," said the minister. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

http://email.brudirect.com/index.php...-tomorrow.html

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H1N1 Vaccination Gets Helping Hand (And Arms)

Written by Quratul-Ain Sandial Tuesday, 09 March 2010 06:19

(From L) Deputy Ministers Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abdul Wahab of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Hj Dani Hj Ibrahim of Home Affairs and Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Oilman of Religious Affairs getting their Hill jabs at the Berakas Indoor Stadium. Pictures:BT/Yusri Adanan

Bandar Seri Begawan - Three deputy ministers got their Influenza A (H1N1) inoculation yesterday in a gesture meant to help assure the public of the vaccine's safety.

Deputy Ministers Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman of Religious Affairs, Date Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abdul Wahab of Industry and Primary Resources and Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Date Paduka Hj Dani Hj Ibrahim of Home Affairs all got their II N1 jabs at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday, the first day of the resumption of the mass inoculation programme.

Speaking to The Brunei Times at the National Indoor Stadium, Deputy Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah said the public should not be afraid of getting vaccinated.

9 was one of the first to receive the vaccination and I had no reaction to it, although everyone is different," said Pehin Dato Hj Hazair. "I felt fine and was able to go to work the next day.

'As you can see all these government ministers are getting vaccinated today, there is nothing to be afraid of," said the deputy health minister.
As of 2.30pm yesterday, the tally board showing the number of people who received the jabs indicated that only one person had been vaccinated since yesterday. This was confirmed by a medical staff at the vaccination centre.

However, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the figure was not an accurate reflection of the number of people that were vaccinated nationwide yesterday, stating that they still needed to tally the total number from eight different vaccination centres across the country.

"A more fair assessment of the number of people coming to the centres can be made when we tally the total at the end of the week," said the MoH spokesperson.

There are eight vaccination centres in Brunei: Sengkurong Jubli Perak Health Centre, Ong Sum Ping Health Centre, Berakas Health Centre in Anggerek Desa, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) Hospital, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muds Hj AlMuhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong, Suri Seri Begawan Hospital and Sungai Liang Health Centre in Belait, and Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Hospital in Temburong. The National Indoor Stadium is the country's biggest vaccination centre.

The MoH also confirmed it would resume the mass vaccination of students at the stadium today. Details of the schedule have not been released as the ministry is still finalising the timetable with the Department of Schools.

Before the suspension of the programme on February 13, the Ministry of Health has vaccinated close to 40,000 people. The vaccination centre is open during working hours on weekdays and from 2pm to 8pm on Friday and Sunday.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

http://brudirect.com/index.php/20100...-and-arms.html

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Re: Beat the statistics. Get H1N1 jab!

H1N1 jab drive for students resumes

Quratul-Ain Bandial Mar 12th, 2010
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Students receiving a H1N1 vaccination jab at the National Indoor Stadium in Berakas. The mass vaccination for secondary school students in Brunei-Muara resumed yesterday. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal

THE mass vaccination of secondary school students in Brunei-Muara resumed yesterday with more than 300 students from Sultan Omar ?Ali Saifuddien College and Sayyidina Hassan Secondary School getting their
Influenza A (H1N1) jabs at the National Indoor Stadium.

The immunisation programme, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Department of Schools, aims to inoculate 20,000 students in 20 secondary schools throughout district by late April.

A MoH spokesperson said, ?Similar initiatives are being implemented in other districts.?

A source at the Department of Schools told The Brunei Times that the department has assigned one principal from each district to coordinate the schedule for the mass vaccination of students in their respective districts.

?Once the vaccination of all secondary schools in Brunei-Muara has been completed by late April, we fully intend to continue the programme with primary schools,? added the source, who asked to remain anonymous.

Dr Ong Sok King, coordinator at the National Indoor vaccination centre, also encouraged private schools to have their students inoculated at any of the ministry?s eight vaccination centres.

?Children interact very closely with one another at school and the virus becomes easily transmissible from child to child. This is what we want to prevent,? she said.

?Young children are at high risk from developing serious complications from an H1N1 influenza infection because their immune systems are not fully developed,? she added.

Dr Ong said that it was especially important for children with chronic conditions such as asthma to get the H1N1 jab because their respiratory systems are not stable.

?As long as an asthmatic child is over six months, not exhibiting any signs of fever or breathing difficulties at the time they take the jab, then they are eligible to get it,? she said.

Dr Ong also wanted to dispel recent concerns by worried parents that children with eczema should not get the inoculation. ?This is absolutely incorrect,? she stated.

?The H1N1 influenza is still classified in the pandemic phase by the World Health Organisation. As a public health issue, we have to do everything in our power to prevent the spread of this virus.?

The Brunei Times

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Re: Beat the statistics. Get H1N1 jab!

Expert Reassures H1N1 Jab Is 'Completely Safe'

Written by Quratul-Ain Bandial Monday, 15 March 2010 07:13

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Health (MoH) has again assured the public that the Influenza A (H1N1) jab is "completely safe", echoing a statement made last Wednesday by the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative for Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and Malaysia.

In an exclusive interview with The Brunei Times, Dr Ong Sok King, the coordinator of the H1N1 vaccination centre at the National Indoor Stadium, emphasised that the vaccine is "completely safe" and sought to clarify some of the misinformation the public have surrounding the vaccine.

Public feedback received by The Brunei Times showed that there was still much anxiety regarding the recent two-week suspension of the H1N1 vaccination programme, which was halted so that a new batch of vaccines from a different supplier could be tested to ensure that it met the MoH and WHO's quality and safety standards.

"The ministry is extremely vigilant and strict when it comes to the introduction of a new batch of medicines. It is standard procedure to test a new batch to make sure it reaches our quality and safety standards," said Dr Ong.

Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kays Tudors Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman recently dismissed rumours that questioned the quality and safety of the batch, which he said were "simply baseless and unfounded".

Dr Ong also assured the public that the vaccine, which is made from an egg medium, is 100 per cent halal, saying that the MoH meticulously checked through the ingredient report from the Belgian manufacturer, GSK.

Potential side effects of the HIN1 vaccine are similar to the seasonal flu vaccine, which in- chide pain at the injection site, fever, headache, muscle pain, rashes and abdominal discomfort, although Dr Ong pointed out that most people do not experience significant side effects.

When asked why people should be vaccinated against H1N1, Dr Ong replied that a person must assess the risks and benefits of their decision with their physician by weighing the chances of getting the disease against the possibility of experiencing any side effects.

"The mortality rate of HIN1 is similar to that of seasonal flu. But the mortality rate is much higher if you are at high risk from developing serious complications from an H1N1 infection," Dr Ong said.

Dr Ong identified the high risk groups as young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, obesity, cancer, kidney disease, neurological disease and poor immunity.

"Before the vaccination is administered, the public must fill out a health declaration form and medical staff will check their medical history to make sure they are suitable candidates. Once they have received the injection, they will have to rest at the centre for 15 minutes to make sure that no serious reaction has occurred."

Dr Ong also stated that any child above six months old is also eligible to get the vaccine. "Children below 10 years of age will only receive half a dose. But young children must have had exposure to eggs before they get vaccinated to ensure that they do not have an egg allergy."

He explained that while people with severe egg allergies and pregnant women are advised against getting the vaccine, it is perfectly safe for women who are trying to fall pregnant to be inoculated.

Dr Ong added that there was no need to vaccinate people who have previously contracted an HIM infection since their body would have already built antibodies to the virus.

In closing, Dr Ong issued a final caveat "It is important to note that no vaccine can provide 100 per cent protection against the disease. That's why it is extremely important to maintain good hygiene practices such as washing your hands constantly and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing."-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

http://www.brudirect.com/index.php/2010031417748/Local-News/expert-reassures-h1n1-jab-is-completely-safe.html

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Re: Beat the statistics. Get H1N1 jab!

Two ambassadors to the country had their A H1N1 Vaccination

2010-03-18 22:00:00

The Ministry of Health is still continuing its effort in giving Influenza A H1N1 Vaccination, particularly to the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam. This afternoon, two ambassadors to the country had their vaccination.

Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Mohamad Ben Jameel Jaleel Hashim and family were among those who had their vaccination at the Ong Sum Ping Vaccination Centre, in the capital.

Also having themselves vaccinated were the Myanmar's Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Thura Thet Oo Maung and his family. Following further occurrences of Influenza A H1N1 cases in the country, the Ministry of Health urges members of the public to get vaccinated in-order to protect themselves and their family from being infected.

http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/?c=newsDetail&news_id=6840