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Source: http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/dutch-children-may-be-given-flu-jabs
Dutch children may be given flu jabs
Published on25 October 2009 - 2:29pm
After the death of a teenager from Mexican flu last week in the Netherlands, the vaccination programme may be extended to include young people and children.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Ab Klink has confirmed that the Health Council and Centre for Infection Control are looking into whether new high risk groups should be added to the programme. An independent recommendation is expected in mid-November.
At the beginning of the new influenza A(H1N1) outbreak the Dutch government ordered 34 million vaccines. Enough for two jabs per person in the country. When the virus appeared to be a mild strain, the government decided to only vaccinate high risk groups.
At the moment these groups are the over-60s, pregnant women, medical staff and the chronically ill. Ten million vaccines will be needed to inoculate these groups.
Earlier this week, a paediatrician called for children between 0-4 to be receive the flu jab. Statistics show that most people with the virus are young people and children.
Dutch children may be given flu jabs
Published on25 October 2009 - 2:29pm
After the death of a teenager from Mexican flu last week in the Netherlands, the vaccination programme may be extended to include young people and children.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Ab Klink has confirmed that the Health Council and Centre for Infection Control are looking into whether new high risk groups should be added to the programme. An independent recommendation is expected in mid-November.
At the beginning of the new influenza A(H1N1) outbreak the Dutch government ordered 34 million vaccines. Enough for two jabs per person in the country. When the virus appeared to be a mild strain, the government decided to only vaccinate high risk groups.
At the moment these groups are the over-60s, pregnant women, medical staff and the chronically ill. Ten million vaccines will be needed to inoculate these groups.
Earlier this week, a paediatrician called for children between 0-4 to be receive the flu jab. Statistics show that most people with the virus are young people and children.